Eight killed and others missing after ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus

Eight individuals lost their lives and over a dozen remain missing after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, according to the head of the self-proclaimed Turkish republic in the region. The Turkish-administered area, also known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), reported that the ferry had carried 259 passengers and eight crew members at the time of the incident.

Prime Minister of the TRNC, Ünal Üstel, detailed that the vessel had departed from the coastal town of Kyrenia when it began taking on water following poor weather conditions. The captain and seven crew members have been detained as part of an investigation into the cause of the tragedy. A search and rescue operation is in progress, with Turkish authorities collaborating with local forces.

The privately-owned ferry left Kyrenia at approximately 12:30 local time (09:30 GMT) en route to Turkey. The captain attempted to recover from the first wave when a second wave struck, causing the ferry to capsize. Emergency services, including helicopters and coastguard boats, have been deployed to the scene, while ambulances are stationed on the beach to receive survivors. Üstel emphasized that the primary focus is on saving lives, and a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and ensure accountability.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed condolences to Turkish Cypriots and affirmed that efforts to locate the missing individuals are ongoing. The ferry, a 40-meter-long, 10-meter-wide vessel operated under the Turkish flag, is owned by Filo Denizcilik, which has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. A hotline has been established for passengers' relatives seeking information.

The identities of those on board and the current condition of the injured are yet to be determined. The TRNC, which controls the northern third of Cyprus, has been governing the region since 1974 following a division following a war.