A ferry carrying 270 people has capsized off the coast of Cyprus shortly after departing from Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Tasucu
A ferry capsized off the coast of Cyrpus in the early hours of Sunday morning. The boat was heading from Kyrenia to Tasucu, a Turkish port.
It was around 2km north of Kyrenia when it sank, reports the Express. Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats were deployed to the scene alongside a search and rescue helicopter.
Turkish Cypriot mayor Murat Senkul said 270 people were on the vessell, describing the situation as “serious”. Authorities have now confirmed at least seven people have died after the incident.
A further 23 people are still missing with 237 having been rescued. The boat is understood to be a catamaran-style Filo Jet, which was over 40 metres long and 10 metres wide.
Reports suggest it was sailing under the Turkish flag.
Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has said the country is providing “all possible support” to the ongoing search and rescue operation following the ferry disaster off Kyrenia.
In a statement posted on social media, Mr Yılmaz said: “We are deeply saddened by the news we have received. A catamaran-type passenger ship has sunk after taking on water off the coast of Girne.
“Search and rescue operations have been launched by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions and are continuing without interruption.
“At this moment, our primary priority is the rescue of the passengers and crew. We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search and rescue efforts.
“I extend my condolences to the passengers on board, the crew, and our nation.”
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