Ferry Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus: 7 Dead, 23 Missing, 237 Rescued

At least seven people have died and 23 remain missing after a catamaran-style ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew capsized off northern Cyprus on Sunday, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation.

Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel said 237 people had been rescued alive after the vessel ran into trouble shortly after leaving the port. The rescued passengers were brought to Kyrenia Port, while those requiring medical attention were taken to hospitals.

The ferry was travelling from Kyrenia (Girne) in northern Cyprus to Tasucu, a port in Türkiye's Mersin province, when it encountered adverse weather conditions. According to Ustel, the vessel began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure, prompting a distress call.

The ferry eventually capsized about 7.5 km (4 nautical miles) off the northern coast of Cyprus, near Diana beach, according to Turkish state broadcaster TRT.

Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the vessel was operated by Filo Denizcilik. Footage from the scene showed people wearing life jackets in the water around the overturned ferry as rescue teams worked to bring survivors to safety.

The search for the 23 missing people remains underway, with rescue teams continuing operations in the waters off northern Cyprus. The circumstances surrounding the rapid flooding and capsizing are expected to be investigated.

The disaster has turned a routine ferry journey between northern Cyprus and Türkiye into a major maritime emergency, with authorities focused on locating those still missing and providing medical care to the survivors.