At least eight individuals have lost their lives following a maritime accident where a ferry, carrying close to 270 passengers and crew members, overturned near the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, as per reports from Turkish media. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel stated that 237 individuals have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to locate those still missing.
The ferry encountered harsh weather conditions and started taking in water merely 15 minutes after setting sail, Ustel confirmed. An emergency call was made shortly after the incident. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his sympathies and mentioned that his administration was collaborating with Northern Cyprus in the search and rescue operations.
“We are optimistic about receiving positive updates,” Erdogan remarked during a speech at the Turkish Military Academy’s graduation ceremony in Ankara on Sunday. The catamaran-style vessel was en route from Kyrenia port, also known as Girne, in the separatist north of Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
The ferry, operated by Filo Denizcilik, sank off Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus, according to Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul. The incident occurred approximately 7.5 kilometers from the shore, as reported by TRT. Footage from the scene depicted individuals wearing life jackets floating near the overturned vessel.
Cyprus’s government spokesperson, Constantinos Letymbiotis, conveyed readiness to support search and rescue operations using all available resources through a social media post on Sunday. Letymbiotis expressed condolences for the lives lost and injuries sustained, emphasizing the paramount importance of preserving human lives during such challenging circumstances.
