At least eight individuals have tragically lost their lives following a ferry accident that occurred off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday. Reports from Turkish media indicate that the ferry, carrying almost 270 passengers and crew members, capsized in the incident.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel informed the Turkish state-run TRT news channel that 237 individuals have been successfully rescued so far, with efforts ongoing to locate those who are still missing. Ustel mentioned that the ferry encountered adverse weather conditions and began to take on water just 15 minutes after departure, prompting a distress call for assistance.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences and confirmed that his administration is collaborating with Northern Cyprus to coordinate search-and-rescue operations. Erdogan, speaking at the Turkish Military Academy’s graduation ceremony in Ankara, expressed hope for positive updates on the situation.
The ferry, designed in a catamaran style, was en route from the port of Kyrenia, also referred to as Girne, in the northern part of Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul identified the vessel as belonging to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and disclosed that it sank near Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus.
According to TRT reports, the ferry started taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometers off the shore. Footage from the scene depicted individuals wearing life jackets floating in the water surrounding the overturned ferry.
Constantinos Letymbiotis, a spokesperson for Cyprus’s internationally recognized government, expressed readiness to provide assistance in the search-and-rescue operations through available resources. Letymbiotis extended sympathies to the victims and their families, emphasizing the utmost importance of prioritizing human life during such challenging circumstances.