At least eight individuals lost their lives when a ferry carrying almost 270 passengers and crew overturned near the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, as per reports from Turkish media sources. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel informed the Turkish state-run TRT news channel that 237 individuals have been rescued, with efforts ongoing to locate those still missing.
The ferry encountered challenging weather conditions and began to take on water just 15 minutes after departing, according to Ustel. A distress call was made shortly thereafter. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences and stated that his administration was collaborating with Northern Cyprus in the search and rescue operations.
Speaking at the Turkish Military Academy graduation ceremony in Ankara on Sunday, Erdogan expressed hope for positive updates. The catamaran-style ferry, owned by the Filo Denizcilik ferry company, was en route from Kyrenia port, also known as Girne, in the north of Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province when it sank off Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus, as reported by Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul.
The vessel began to take on water approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast, according to TRT. Footage from the scene depicted individuals wearing life vests floating near the overturned ferry. Constantinos Letymbiotis, spokesperson for Cyprus’s internationally recognized government, expressed readiness on social media to support search and rescue operations using all available resources.
Letymbiotis conveyed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the utmost importance of preserving human life during such tragic events.
