At least eight individuals lost their lives following a tragic incident where a ferry carrying around 270 passengers and crew members overturned near the northern Cyprus coast on Sunday. Reports from Turkish media confirmed that 237 individuals have been rescued, while a search operation is ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons.

According to Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel, the ferry encountered severe weather conditions and started to take on water merely 15 minutes after setting sail. A distress call was issued shortly thereafter. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences, affirming that his government is working closely with Northern Cyprus to coordinate the search-and-rescue mission.

The catamaran-style ferry was en route from Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in northern Cyprus to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province when the tragic incident occurred. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul noted that the vessel belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sank near Diana Beach on the northern Cyprus coast.

Video footage from the scene captured individuals wearing life jackets floating in the water surrounding the capsized ferry, which reportedly started taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast. Cyprus’s internationally recognized government spokesperson, Constantinos Letymbiotis, expressed readiness to provide assistance in the search-and-rescue operations through various means, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human life during such challenging times.