Ferry Carrying 267 People Capsizes off Northern Cyprus as Major Rescue Operation Continues

A passenger ferry travelling from Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus to the Turkish port of Tasucu capsized at sea shortly after departure, triggering a major search and rescue operation.
The vessel was carrying 267 people, including 259 passengers and eight crew members, according to Northern Cyprus Transport Minister Erhan Arikli. Initial reports had put the number of people on board at around 270.
Authorities said the ferry began taking on water around four miles, or approximately 6.5 kilometres, off the coast of Kyrenia before capsizing. Local media reports identified the vessel as a catamaran.
Rescue teams have so far reached 159 people and brought them safely ashore, Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said, while efforts remain underway to locate and rescue the others.
Coastguard vessels, a rescue helicopter and several other boats have been deployed to the area. Ambulances were also stationed at the passenger terminal of Kyrenia’s new port to receive survivors and provide medical assistance.
Northern Cyprus Transport Minister Erhan Arikli and Prime Minister Unal Ustel travelled to Kyrenia to oversee the rescue operation. Events planned in the city to mark Turkey’s Victory Day were cancelled as rescue efforts continued.
No final casualty toll has been announced, and the cause of the capsizing remains unclear as search and rescue operations continue.