KYRENIA — Fatalities were confirmed after a passenger ferry carrying 267 people capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Sunday, as large-scale search and rescue operations continued.
TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel said all available resources had been mobilized following the accident, which involved 259 passengers and eight crew members.
“Along with the coast guard, our people rushed to the scene. Everyone with a boat went to help. Our medical teams are ready, and we have made all necessary preparations,” Ustel told Anadolu.
He did not immediately provide the number of people killed.
Ustel said the ferry had originally been scheduled to travel to Türkiye on Saturday but departed Sunday because of weather conditions.
According to his account, the vessel was struck by a large wave at sea. As the captain attempted to regain control, a second wave hit and the ferry began taking on water.
Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said search and rescue operations involving coast guard units from both Türkiye and the TRNC, along with other relevant agencies, were continuing without interruption.
“Our primary priority is rescuing the passengers and crew,” Yilmaz said, adding that Türkiye was providing all necessary support to the operation.
The privately operated ferry left Kyrenia Port at around 12:30 p.m. local time for Tasucu Port in Türkiye’s southern Mersin province.
Shortly after departure, the vessel began taking on water for reasons still under investigation. The captain issued a distress call, prompting coast guard and port authorities to dispatch rescue teams to the area.
Authorities said they were continuing to closely monitor the operation.
Source: Saudi Gazette