Rescue underway after Turkish ferry carrying hundreds of people capsizes off Cyprus

A major rescue operation is underway off the coast of northern Cyprus after a ferry carrying approximately 270 passengers and crew capsized on Sunday. The incident occurred a few kilometers from the coast of Kyrenia, with many individuals initially unaccounted for as the vessel overturned.

The catamaran-style ferry was en route from Kyrenia to the Turkish port of Tasucu when it reportedly began taking on water. Turkish Cypriot coastguard vessels, along with civilian boats and helicopters, quickly launched extensive search and rescue efforts at the scene.

As the operation continues, some passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to nearby hospitals. While initial reports from the Northern Cyprus Transportation Minister indicated around 100 people had been brought ashore, the Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia mentioned some casualties without specifying numbers. Video footage from the site showed individuals wearing life vests in the water awaiting rescue.