At least seven people have died and 23 remain missing after a passenger ferry carrying 267 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, triggering a major search and rescue operation.
The catamaran-style ferry FILOJET had departed from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, and was heading toward Taşucu in Turkey’s Mersin province when it began taking on water shortly after departure.
Authorities said there were 259 passengers and eight crew members on board.
According to Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, 237 people have been rescued, while seven deaths have been confirmed. Search teams are continuing efforts to locate the remaining passengers.
The vessel reportedly began taking on water about 15 minutes after leaving port, approximately four nautical miles off the coast near Diana Beach. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident, although adverse weather and rough sea conditions are being examined as possible factors.
Videos from the scene showed passengers wearing life jackets gathered around and on top of the overturned vessel while rescue boats approached.
Turkish and Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels, helicopters and civilian boats have been deployed in the operation. Officials said all available resources were being used to search for those still unaccounted for.
Some of those rescued were transported to hospitals for treatment, although authorities have not yet released detailed information about the number or condition of the injured.
The disaster has prompted an extensive emergency response in both northern Cyprus and Turkey as the search continues.
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; Anadolu Agency
By NJ RADAR Team