At least seven people have died and twenty three missing after a ferry carrying 270 passengers capsized shortly after departing the coast of northern Cyprus today, per local reports.
The ferry left the port of Kyrenia at 11.58am, headed for the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province where it was expected to arrive at 5.52pm local time.
However, the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure.
Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats and rescue helicopters rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to save people and ambulances have been dispatched to the scene.
An estimated 237 people have been rescued, Northern Cyprus’ prime minister, Ünal Üstel, told the TRT news channel.
Reports suggest the Filo Jet vessel began taking in water between two to four miles off the shore.
In a statement to media, Unal Ustel, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) confirmed that at least six people have died.
He added: ‘We are deeply saddened. There has been loss of life and there are injuries.
‘We are on the ground with all our resources.’It was not immediately known how many people in total had been on board the ferry.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ transport minister said the ferry ‘completely sunk to a depth of 514 metres (1,686 feet)’ when it capsized earlier today.
