Boat carrying nearly 270 people capsizes off northern Cyprus

A passenger ferry with nearly 270 individuals on board has overturned off the northern coast of Cyprus, prompting an ongoing search and rescue effort. According to Turkey's interior ministry, the vessel was transporting 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water after departing from the town of Kyrenia en route to Turkey.

The mayor of the nearby coastal community, Murat Senkul, informed CNN Turk that 159 people had been successfully rescued. He described the situation as "very serious." Broadcasting images of the capsized ferry, with people donning life vests atop its submerged hull, local television stations relayed this distressing scene. Emergency services, including helicopters and coastguard boats, have been mobilized to the disaster area, while ambulances have been positioned on the beach.

Erhan Arikli, the transport minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), stated to local media that 100 individuals had been evacuated to safety. The TRNC, recognized solely by Turkey, governs the northern third of Cyprus, a region divided since 1974.