Eight individuals have lost their lives following the overturning of a ferry carrying close to 270 passengers and crew members off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, as per reports from Turkish media sources. The Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel informed the Turkish state-run TRT news channel that 237 individuals have been successfully rescued, with efforts ongoing to locate those still missing.

According to Ustel, the ferry encountered harsh weather conditions and began to take on water just 15 minutes after its departure, prompting a distress call. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences and assured that his administration is collaborating with Northern Cyprus in the search and rescue operations.

The ferry, designed in a catamaran style, was en route from Kyrenia port (also known as Girne) in the northern part of Cyprus to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul stated that the vessel belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sunk near Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus.

Approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast, the ferry started to take on water, as reported by TRT. Videos from the incident display individuals wearing life jackets floating in the water surrounding the capsized ferry. Constantinos Letymbiotis, a spokesperson for Cyprus’s internationally recognized government, affirmed through a social media post the government’s readiness to aid in the search and rescue operations using all available resources.

Letymbiotis conveyed condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the deceased, the injured, and all those affected by this tragic event. Preserving human life is of utmost importance during such critical times.”