Cyprus Ferry Tragedy: Seven Confirmed Dead as 260-Passenger Vessel Capsizes

POLICY WIRE — Nicosia, Cyprus — At least seven individuals have perished and numerous others are unaccounted for following the capsizing of a ferry transporting close to 270 passengers near the shores of northern Cyprus on Sunday.

Unal Ustel, the prime minister of Northern Cyprus, verified the fatalities to local press, disclosing that a search is in progress for 24 individuals, while approximately 237 have been saved.

The catamaran-style vessel was en route from the port of Kyrenia, alternatively referred to as Girne, situated in the self-declared northern region of ethnically segmented Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.

Ustel revealed that the ferry encountered unfavorable weather conditions and started to take on water a mere 15 minutes post-departure, prompting a distress signal.

Visual documentation of the occurrence depicts individuals clad in life jackets adrift in the waters encircling the overturned craft.

Reports indicate that the ferry accommodated 267 individuals, comprising 259 passengers and eight crew members.

Murat Senkul, the mayor of Kyrenia, stated that the ship was operated by the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and submerged off the coast of Diana beach on Cyprus’ northern shoreline.

In a public address, Ustel expressed profound sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the loss of life and injuries sustained. He assured that all available resources are being utilized in the rescue efforts.

Ali Murat Basceri, the Turkish ambassador to Nicosia, also confirmed casualties during an interview with Turkey’s state-run TRT news channel, though he did not specify the number.

Over 172 individuals have been extricated from the capsized ferry off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, as confirmed by Unal Ustel, the prime minister of Northern Cyprus, during a broadcast on Turkish state-run TRT news channel.

The ferry, which was conveying more than 260 people, has prompted an ongoing search operation for the remaining passengers.

Local media outlets have reported that the vessel was navigating from the port of Kyrenia, also recognized as Girne, located in the self-declared northern region of ethnically divided Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)