Ferry carrying over 260 passengers capsizes off northern Cyprus

A passenger ferry carrying more than 260 people capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, according to the local government. Erhan Arikli, Transport Minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), informed local television that approximately 100 passengers had been successfully evacuated and brought to safety.

The incident occurred shortly after the ferry departed from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, with its destination being the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Turkish media sources have reported that the ferry began taking on water some distance from the shoreline. Footage captured the scene, depicting individuals wearing life jackets in the water surrounding the overturned vessel. Rescue and medical services are in the process of preparing for a rapid response to the tragedy.