Seven Killed as Ferry Capsizes Near Northern Cyprus
A catamaran ferry carrying about 270 people capsized off the northern Cyprus coast, leaving at least seven dead and prompting a rescue operation for the remaining passengers.
At least seven people died after a ferry traveling from Kyrenia in northern Cyprus to the Turkish port of Taşucu capsized in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. The vessel, operated by Filo Denizcilik, began taking on water about 7.5 km (4 nautical miles) from the Diana beach shoreline, prompting a distress call shortly after departure.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel told Turkish state broadcaster TRT that 237 passengers and crew have been rescued and that search efforts continue for the remaining 24 individuals. He attributed the incident to adverse weather conditions that caused the catamaran-style ferry to fill with water within 15 minutes of leaving port.
Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul confirmed the ferry’s ownership and location of the sinking. Video from the scene showed people wearing life vests in the water surrounding the overturned vessel.