A passenger ferry sank off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday shortly after departing from Kyrenia port, with search and rescue operations underway and fatalities confirmed.
A passenger ferry carrying over 260 people capsized off the northern Cyprus coast on Sunday while travelling from the port of Kyrenia to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. According to the Transport Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erhan Arikli, there were 267 people on board, comprising 259 passengers and 8 crew members.
The vessel began taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometres from the coast, according to reports from Turkish state media. While initial reports did not specify casualty figures, Unal Ustel, prime minister of the TRNC, confirmed that fatalities had occurred, though specific numbers were not immediately provided. The TRNC's government indicated that around 100 passengers had been evacuated from the vessel.
Search and rescue operations commenced following the incident, with Turkish and Cypriot authorities mobilizing response efforts. The TRNC's Health Ministry stated that "all necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services." Turkey's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said on social media that Turkish authorities were "closely following the unfortunate incident" and providing support to rescue efforts.
Northern Cyprus has been under TRNC administration since 1974 and is recognized internationally only by Turkey. The exact circumstances surrounding the capsizing and the full extent of casualties remain under investigation as search operations continue.
