At least seven people died when a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, according to local officials.
Search and rescue efforts are underway for 23 individuals still missing, Unal Ustel, the prime minister of the self-declared territory of Northern Cyprus, announced on social media. He stated that 237 people have been rescued so far.
The ferry, identified as the FILOJET by Turkey's Interior Ministry, was en route from Kyrenia (also known as Girne) in the northern part of the divided island to Tasucu in Turkey's Mersin province. The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members.
Multiple vessels and aircraft have been deployed to the area. According to the Turkish Interior Ministry, four Northern Cyprus coast guard vessels, a passenger ship, five Turkish Coast Guard Command vessels, and two helicopters are involved in the operation. Six Turkish navy vessels were also dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts, which are being conducted in coordination among relevant units.