Passenger boat carrying around 270 people capsizes off northern Cyprus
A passenger vessel carrying roughly 270 people has capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. Officials say the situation remains very serious even as some passengers have already been brought ashore.
A passenger boat with approximately 270 people aboard has capsized near the coastal town of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus, prompting an extensive search and rescue effort.
Kyrenia's mayor, Murat Senkul, told broadcaster CNN Turk that 159 of those who had been on the vessel had been reached so far, describing the situation as very serious.
According to reports, the boat began taking on water roughly four miles from the shore. Local television footage showed the capsized ferry floating upside down, with survivors wearing life vests visible atop its hull.
Helicopters and coastguard vessels have been deployed to the area, while ambulances have been positioned along the beach to assist those brought to shore.
Erhan Arikli, transport minister of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), told local media that 100 passengers had already reached land.
Background
The TRNC, recognised only by Turkey, administers the northern third of Cyprus, an island that has been divided since 1974. This remains a developing story, with further details expected as the rescue operation continues.
