A major rescue operation is under way after a ferry carrying 270 passengers capsized shortly after departing the coast of northern Cyprus today with reports of ‘some fatalities’.
The catamaran-style vessel set off from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne at around 12.30pm and was heading to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats and rescue helicopters rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to save people from the water and boat.
It was not immediately known how many people in total had been on board the ferry.
Footage shows the upside-down ferry in the water, with people wearing life vests atop its orange hull. The weather was sunny and several boats were seen in the area to lend assistance.
The Kibris newspaper reported that the vessel began taking in water about four miles off the shore. Ambulances had been dispatched to the scene, it said.
Unal Ustel, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said there have been ‘some fatalities’ but did not give a precise death toll.
The transport minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erhan Arikli, told local television: ‘Around 100 passengers have been evacuated and taken to shore.’
He added that the cause of the incident is still being investigated.
A rescue mission is underway after a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers capsized shortly after departing from the coast of northern Cyprus today
Footage shows people being pulled from the sea and climbing on to the orange lifeboats
Some can be seen sitting on the outer hull of the upturned vessel in lifejackets
The Kibris newspaper reported that the vessel began taking in water about four miles off the shore. Ambulances had been dispatched to the scene, it said
The TRNC, which is recognised only by Turkey, controls the northern third of the island of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974.
Ankara occupied that part of the island that year in response to an Athens-engineered Greek Cypriot coup seeking union with Greece. The TRNC today is served with regular air and sea links to Turkey.
“All necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services,” the TRNC’s health ministry said in a statement.
It added that hospitals in the territory had been alerted, so they could provide any medical attention that might be needed.
In a statement on X, Turkey’s vice president Cevdet Yilmaz said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news we have received. A catamaran-type passenger ship has sunk after taking on water off the coast of Girne.
‘Search and rescue operations have been launched by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions and are continuing without interruption.
‘At this moment, our primary priority is the rescue of the passengers and crew. We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search and rescue efforts.’
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
