7 Dead, 172 Rescued After Ferry Carrying 270 Capsizes Off North Cyprus, ‘Completely’ Sinks

At least seven people have died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, authorities said.

More than 172 people have been rescued so far, Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel told Turkish state broadcaster TRT, according to AP. An official quoted by AFP said the ferry has completely sunk.

The catamaran-style vessel was travelling from Kyrenia (Girne) in the Turkish-controlled north of ethnically divided Cyprus to Tasucu, a port in Turkey’s Mersin province, AP reported.

According to the local Kibris newspaper, the ferry began taking in water about four miles from the shore. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene as rescue operations got underway.

“All necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services,” the Health Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said in a statement, according to AFP.

Northern Cyprus Transportation Minister Erhan Arikli told TRT that the vessel had overturned and rescue teams were at the scene. He initially said around 100 people had been rescued and taken to Kyrenia, while search and rescue operations continued.

“We don’t know what caused the vessel to take on water,” Arikli said.

The route between Kyrenia and Tasucu is served by several ferry operators, but authorities have not yet identified the company operating the vessel that capsized.

Videos and images circulating on social media showed people wearing life jackets floating in the waters around the stricken ferry.

Two killed in separate Tunisia boat accident

In a separate incident, a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of southern Tunisia, killing at least two people and leaving 12 others missing, Tunisia’s National Guard said. One person was rescued.

Guard spokesperson Houssem Eddine Jebabli told the state news agency that two bodies were recovered and taken to a hospital on the nearby island of Djerba.

He told national radio Mosaique FM that around 15 people were believed to be aboard the boat when it departed from an area between the towns of Zarzis and Ben Guerdane.