A passenger ferry carrying 259 people has capsized off the coast of Kyrenia, with search-and-rescue teams deployed to the area.
The vessel, operated by Filo Denizcilik, was sailing approximately 2–2.5 kilometres off the Kyrenia coast when it began taking on water from the bow before capsizing, according to local reports.
There were 259 passengers and eight crew members on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 267, according to Kıbrıs Postası.
Search-and-rescue operation under way
The captain is understood to have noticed water entering the vessel and attempted to turn back towards the coast. The attempt was unsuccessful, according to the report.
Coastguard search-and-rescue teams were sent to the scene, while a number of boats in the surrounding area, including private and smaller vessels, also moved towards the stricken ferry to assist.
Rescue operations were continuing as of 13:42 local time.
Ambulances and hospitals placed on alert
Ambulances were mobilised following the incident, while hospitals in Kyrenia and the surrounding area were placed on alert to receive possible casualties.
The report said there were injured people among those on board, but authorities had not yet released an official figure for the number of injured or details of their conditions.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı were reported to have travelled to the scene to follow the rescue operation.
Arıklı said efforts were continuing to rescue the 259 passengers and eight crew members.
Cause of incident remains unclear
The cause of the vessel taking on water and subsequently capsizing has not yet been established.
More to follow
