Ferry carrying nearly 270 people capsizes off northern Cyprus, killing some

A ferry carrying nearly 270 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, resulting in at least seven fatalities, according to Turkish media reports. The ferry, which was en route from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province, began taking on water approximately 15 minutes after departing, the prime minister of the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, Unal Ustel, stated.

Ustel informed the Turkish state-run TRT news channel that 237 people had been rescued, with a search underway for another 24 individuals. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed his condolences, expressing hope for positive news regarding the rescue efforts. The catamaran-style ferry, operated by the Filo Denizcilik ferry company, encountered adverse weather conditions during its voyage.

Video footage from the incident scene depicts individuals wearing life vests floating in the waters surrounding the capsized vessel. Cyprus' internationally recognized government has expressed readiness to assist in the search and rescue efforts with all available resources.