NAIROBI, Kenya- A passenger ferry carrying nearly 270 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, August 30, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation.
The vessel was travelling from Kyrenia (Girne) to the Turkish port of Taşucu in Mersin province when it began taking in water shortly after departure. Turkish Cypriot authorities said adverse weather conditions contributed to the incident.
Initial reports put the number of people aboard at 267, comprising 259 passengers and eight crew members. Other reports have cited a figure of about 270 people, with the exact manifest still being clarified.
The ferry encountered trouble about four nautical miles off the northern Cyprus coast.
Footage from the scene showed passengers wearing life jackets gathered on top of the overturned vessel as rescue teams raced to reach them.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said 237 people had been rescued, while search operations were continuing for those still unaccounted for. Turkish media reported that at least seven people had died in the incident.
Coastguard vessels, private boats and a helicopter were deployed to assist with the evacuation and search operation. Survivors were being taken to Kyrenia port for medical attention.
The ferry, identified in reports as a catamaran-style vessel operated by Filo Denizcilik, had departed Kyrenia at about 12:30 p.m. local time.
Authorities said the precise circumstances that caused the vessel to take on water were still being investigated.
The rescue operation remains ongoing as authorities work to account for everyone who was aboard.
This is a developing story.
