7 dead as ferry capsizes off Northern Cyprus

At least seven people have died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Northern Cyprus on Sunday, Turkish media reported.

Some 237 people have been rescued, Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel told the Turkish state-run TRT news channel. He said a search was underway for another 24 people.

Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure. A call for help was issued shortly after, he said.

The catamaran-style ferry was travelling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.

Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the ship belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sank off the coast of Diana Beach on Cyprus’ northern coast. The ferry started taking in water about 7.5 km (4 nautical miles) off the coast, TRT reported.

Video footage from the scene shows people with life vests floating in the waters around the capsized vessel.