At least 7 die in ferry capsize off Northern Cyprus

Seven individuals lost their lives when a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Northern Cyprus on Sunday, according to Turkish state media reports. The vessel, which had departed from the port of Kyrenia and was en route to Tasucu, reportedly overturned shortly after leaving the harbor, carrying a total of 267 people, including crew members.

Turkish Prime Minister Unal Ustel confirmed that 172 individuals have been rescued so far, with rescue efforts ongoing to evacuate the remaining passengers and crew. Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri, also confirmed fatalities but did not specify the exact number. He stated that "the large majority of the 259 passengers have been rescued."

Images from Turkish television showed the overturned ferry submerged at a depth of 514 meters, with people wearing life vests floating on its orange hull. The weather conditions were sunny, and several boats were seen nearby offering assistance. The TRNC, which only recognizes Turkey, controls the northern third of Cyprus, an island divided since 1974.

The TRNC's health ministry stated that all necessary preparations are being made for a rapid response from rescue and medical services, with hospitals alerted to provide any required medical care.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz assured that "we are providing all necessary assistance to the search and rescue operations" via the messaging platform X. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit the TRNC on Monday to meet with the territory's president, Tufan Erhurmann, who was elected in October. This visit would be Erdogan's first since 2023.