Passenger ferry capsizes off Northern Cyprus, fatalities reported

A passenger ferry has capsized off the coast of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, an area not internationally recognized as a state. The vessel was sailing from the port of Kyrenia to Taşucu in Turkey when it overturned roughly 7 kilometers from shore.

Northern Cyprus Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı told media that around 100 passengers have already been evacuated and brought ashore. Turkish media report that a total of 267 people were on board the ship.

Fatalities confirmed

Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, quoted by Turkey's Anadolu news agency, confirmed that there are fatalities as a result of the incident. The exact number of dead and missing has not yet been officially confirmed, though several media reports and social media accounts indicate that some passengers awaited rescue while stranded on top of the capsized hull.

Rescue operations are continuing, involving both Northern Cypriot and Turkish authorities. Search efforts are underway to locate any remaining missing passengers and assist those already rescued.

Kyrenia is a busy port linking Northern Cyprus and Turkey, commonly used by both tourists and local residents traveling between the two locations.