At least eight people died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus on Sunday, according to Turkish media reports. Authorities have rescued 237 individuals and are searching for 22 others.
Unal Ustel, the Turkish Cypriot prime minister, stated that the ferry encountered adverse weather conditions shortly after departure, taking on water about 15 minutes into its journey. A distress call was issued soon after. In connection with the sinking, police have detained eight individuals, including the ferry captain, as part of an ongoing investigation.
However, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman suggested that weather conditions were not severe and cautioned against premature speculation regarding the cause. The vessel sank in waters approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep, complicating search and rescue operations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences and affirmed that his government is coordinating with Northern Cyprus on the search and rescue efforts. "We hope we’ll be receiving positive news," Erdogan said Sunday.
The catamaran-style ferry was traveling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. The ferry began taking on water roughly 7.5 kilometers (4 nautical miles) off the coast. The vessel belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company.
Video footage from the scene shows passengers wearing life vests floating in the water around the capsized vessel.
Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974. Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983, but only Turkey recognizes the northern part of the island, where it maintains a significant military presence. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but only the internationally recognized government in the south holds full membership benefits.
Constantinos Letymbiotis, a representative of the Cyprus government, conveyed readiness to assist in search and rescue efforts. "In these trying times, our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, those who were injured and all those who are living this tragedy," Letymbiotis stated. "At such times, the protection of human life is paramount."