A catamaran-style ferry carrying nearly 270 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, according to reports from Turkish media. The vessel was traveling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, toward the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
The incident occurred off the coast of Diana Beach on the northern coast of the ethnically divided island. According to the state-run TRT news channel, the ferry began taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometers, or 4 nautical miles, offshore before overturning.
Ali Murat Basceri, the Turkish ambassador to Nicosia, told TRT that the accident resulted in casualties, though he did not provide a specific number. The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members at the time it capsized.
Ambassador Basceri stated that many individuals were rescued and survivors were transported to hospitals for medical treatment. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the ship belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company. Video footage from the site showed people wearing life vests floating in the sea near the overturned ship.