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Ferry capsizes off Cyprus
A ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, leaving at least seven people dead and 23 missing, Reuters reported from NICOSIA.
“At least seven people died and 23 were missing”
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said 237 people had been rescued and that a search was underway for another 24 people, according to Turkish state-run TRT news channel.
The privately owned catamaran-style ferry left the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, and was heading for the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province, Reuters said.
Reuters reported that the ferry left Kyrenia at 12:30 p.m. (0930 GMT) and immediately started taking on water for an unknown reason, while video footage showed people in red life jackets clinging to the overturned hull.
Cyprus’ internationally recognized government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis said in a post on X that the government had expressed its readiness to assist in search and rescue efforts with all available means.
Officials urge rescue
Üstel told TRT that the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking on water just 15 minutes after departure, and he said a call for help was issued shortly after, according to London Now.
Reuters quoted Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman saying, "We have still not been able to reach 23 people," and he added that search and rescue teams were working very intensively.
Erhurman also told CNN Turk in a live broadcast that "We are deeply saddened by this," after saying 237 people had been rescued alive and seven people had died.
The Guardian reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said, "We have still not been able to reach 23 people," and that reaching anyone inside the vessel "does not appear easy at the moment."
The Guardian said the ferry had "completely sunk to a depth of 514 metres," citing Erhan Arıklı, the territory’s transport minister.
Where survivors were taken
Authorities said the ferry was one of several shuttle sea services linking North Cyprus with Turkey daily, and Reuters reported it was traveling from Kyrenia to Tasucu in Mersin province.
“"Our sole priority right now is human life"”
Reuters said the Turkish Cypriot Interior Ministry reported the passenger ferry 'FILOJET' was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew, and it began taking on water about four nautical miles off Kyrenia.
The Reuters account said four Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels and a civilian passenger boat were deployed to the scene, along with five Turkish coastguard vessels and two helicopters.
NBC News reported that Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the ship belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sank off the coast of Diana beach on Cyprus’ northern coast.
In the immediate aftermath, Reuters said survivors were clinging to the overturned hull while a major rescue operation was underway, with Unal Ustel telling reporters, "Our sole priority right now is human life."