A major rescue operation is currently underway off the coast of northern Cyprus following the sinking of a passenger ferry that departed from the resort town of Kyrenia. The vessel, which was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, began taking on water shortly after its departure.
Ünal Üstel, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, confirmed that at least eight individuals have lost their lives, while more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for. According to Üstel, the ferry had been delayed from its original Saturday departure due to adverse weather. He reported that the vessel was struck by two consecutive waves, causing it to take on water and eventually sink.
In response to the disaster, the ship's captain and seven crew members have been detained as authorities launch a formal investigation into potential negligence. Transport Minister Erhan Arikli stated that approximately 100 passengers have been successfully brought to shore. Local rescue efforts have been bolstered by support from Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirming that search operations are continuing without interruption.
Mustafa Koc, who assisted in the rescue of roughly 65 people, expressed concerns regarding the decision to sail in choppy conditions, noting that the vessel appeared to have sustained prior damage to its bow. The operator of the ferry, Filo Denizcilik, issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident. Authorities have established a hotline for families seeking information, though the nationalities of those on board have not yet been disclosed.
Source: BBC News
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