The passenger ferry was carrying 270 people when it capsized off the coast of Cyprus near Kyrenia
A ferry overturned off the Cypriot coast during the early hours of Sunday morning. The vessel was travelling from Kyrenia to Tasucu, a Turkish port.
The boat went down approximately 2km north of Kyrenia, according to the Express. Turkish Cypriot coastguard vessels rushed to the location along with a search and rescue helicopter.
Turkish Cypriot mayor Murat Senkul reported that 270 people were aboard the craft, calling the circumstances “serious”. Officials have now verified that at least seven people have perished following the incident.
A further 23 people remain unaccounted for while 237 have been brought to safety. The vessel is believed to be a catamaran-style Filo Jet, measuring over 40 metres in length and 10 metres in width.
Sources indicate it was operating under the Turkish flag.
Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has stated the nation is delivering “all possible support” to the continuing search and rescue mission following the ferry tragedy off Kyrenia.
In a statement shared 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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