At least eight individuals have lost their lives following a tragic incident where a ferry, carrying close to 270 passengers and crew members, overturned near the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday. Reports from Turkish media confirm that 237 individuals have been successfully rescued, while the search continues for those still unaccounted for, as stated by Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel in an interview with Turkish state-run TRT news channel.
Ustel mentioned that the ferry encountered severe weather conditions and started to take in water a mere 15 minutes after setting sail. Following the distress call, rescue operations were promptly initiated. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his sympathies and assured that his government is collaborating with Northern Cyprus in the ongoing search-and-rescue mission.
The ferry, designed in a catamaran style, departed from Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the northern region of Cyprus, heading towards the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul identified the vessel as belonging to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company, which tragically sank near Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus.
Footage from the scene reveals passengers in life jackets floating in the water near the overturned ferry, approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast. Constantinos Letymbiotis, spokesperson for Cyprus’s recognized government, expressed readiness to assist in the search-and-rescue efforts using all available resources in a social media post on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the preservation of human life during such challenging circumstances.
