At least 8 people have died after the ferry with 267 people on board capsized on Sunday off the coast of Northern Cyprus. Another 241 people have been rescued, and the search operation continues for those who have not yet been found.
The Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus, Ünal Üstel, told the Turkish public broadcaster TRT that the ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members.
The ship reportedly encountered problems just 15 minutes after departing from the port of Kyrenia, in difficult weather conditions. Üstel explained that the ferry was hit by a first wave, and while the captain was trying to stabilize the situation, a second wave hit the ship, causing it to take on water.
The ferry, a catamaran operated by the company Filo Denizcilik, was heading to the port of Taşucu in the Turkish province of Mersin. The vessel started taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast, in the Diana Beach area, as reported by Associated Press.
Images from the scene show people wearing life jackets in the water and on the hull of the overturned vessel. The rescue operation involves Coast Guard ships, helicopters, military boats, and numerous civilian vessels.
The rescued individuals have been brought to the port of Kyrenia and transported to hospitals. According to CNN, none of the rescued persons are in critical condition.
The ferry was supposed to depart for Turkey as early as Saturday, but the journey was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined.