At least eight die, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off North Cyprus

NICOSIA - At least eight lives were lost and 18 people remain unaccounted for following a ferry capsizing event off the coast of North Cyprus on Sunday, according to authorities. The privately-owned vessel departed from Kyrenia port at 12:30 p.m. local time, en route to the Turkish port of Tasucu in the eastern Mediterranean. Carrying a total of 267 passengers and crew, the ferry began taking on water unexpectedly, with survivors reporting erratic movements and the bow breaking under the impact of splashing waves.

Despite 241 people being rescued, the disaster claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and left 18 others missing. The incident occurred near Kyrenia, a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists alike. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, as relatives of the missing gathered outside a local hospital and port gates in Kyrenia.

The captain and seven crew members of the vessel have been detained for questioning, and divers are expected to assist in the search efforts as Turkish Cypriot authorities continue their rescue operations until all individuals are rescued or accounted for.