At least six die in ferry capsize off northern Cyprus
At least six people died when a ferry capsized off northern Cyprus, the head of the local government said, in a preliminary toll to Turkish media.
Six people lost their lives when a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, according to the head of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The vessel, carrying 267 passengers, overturned shortly after departing from the port of Kyrenia, heading towards the Turkish port of Tasucu. Ünal Üstel, the TRNC prime minister, reported that 172 people have been rescued so far, with rescue operations still underway to evacuate the remaining individuals.
Turkey's ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri, confirmed the fatalities, stating that the majority of the 259 passengers have been saved. The cause of the disaster remains unknown, but it occurred as the ferry was leaving the port. The TRNC, recognized only by Turkey, controls the northern part of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz assured that all necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit the TRNC tomorrow to oversee the situation.
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