At least eight individuals lost their lives when a ferry carrying close to 270 passengers and crew overturned off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, as reported by Turkish media sources. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel informed Turkish state-run TRT news channel that 237 individuals have been successfully rescued, with efforts ongoing to locate those still missing.
Ustel explained that adverse weather conditions led to the ferry taking on water merely 15 minutes after setting sail, prompting a distress call. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his sympathies and confirmed collaboration between his government and Northern Cyprus for search-and-rescue operations.
The catamaran-style ferry was en route from Kyrenia (Girne) in northern Cyprus to Tasucu port in Turkey’s Mersin province when the incident occurred. The vessel, owned by Filo Denizcilik ferry company, sank near Diana Beach on the northern Cypriot coast. Video footage depicted individuals in life vests floating near the overturned ferry about 7.5 kilometers offshore.
Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul provided additional information about the incident, while Constantinos Letymbiotis, a representative of Cyprus’s internationally recognized government, expressed readiness to support the search-and-rescue mission with all available resources. Letymbiotis conveyed condolences and emphasized the importance of prioritizing human life during such challenging circumstances.