Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul has described the sinking of a ferry off Diana beach as a “very serious” situation, confirming that 270 passengers and crew were aboard the vessel. In a Facebook post, Senkul identified the ship as belonging to the Filo Denizcilik company and detailed ongoing rescue efforts involving the Coast Guard, the Akgünler Express vessel, and numerous small boats.
Mayor Confirms Casualty Numbers and Vessel Ownership
Senkul’s statement, shared on social media, provided the first official confirmation of the number of people on board. He did not specify how many individuals had been rescued or reported missing, but emphasized the gravity of the incident. The ferry sank near the popular Diana beach, a location frequented by locals and tourists alike.
The mayor also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information. “Please refrain from sharing information that could cause confusion or spread misinformation,” he wrote, underscoring the need for accurate updates during the emergency.
Rescue Operations Underway with Multiple Assets
According to Senkul, rescue operations are being carried out by the Coast Guard, the Akgünler Express vessel, and a flotilla of small boats. The coordinated effort aims to reach all 270 individuals who were aboard when the ship went down. The cause of the sinking has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
The mayor’s post did not include details on weather conditions or the timeline of the incident, but the rapid mobilization of multiple vessels suggests a significant emergency response. Local media reports indicate that the rescue is ongoing, with no official casualty figures released as of this writing.
Public Urged to Rely on Official Sources
Senkul’s plea for restraint in sharing information highlights the risk of rumors during such crises. He directed the public to await official communications from rescue authorities. The Filo Denizcilik company has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams continuing their search off the coast of Kyrenia. Further updates are expected as operations progress and authorities provide verified information on the status of passengers and crew.
