At least eight individuals have lost their lives following a ferry accident that caused the vessel to overturn off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday, as per reports from Turkish media. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel mentioned that approximately 270 passengers and crew were onboard, with 237 individuals successfully rescued. Efforts are ongoing to locate those still missing.

The tragic incident occurred when the ferry encountered harsh weather conditions and started to take in water just a quarter of an hour after setting off. An emergency call was promptly made for assistance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his sympathies and confirmed collaboration between Turkey and Northern Cyprus for the search-and-rescue operation.

President Erdogan expressed hope for positive developments during a speech at the Turkish Military Academy’s graduation ceremony in Ankara on Sunday. The catamaran-style ferry was en route from Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the northern part of Cyprus to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.

Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul noted that the ferry, operated by Filo Denizcilik, sank near Diana Beach on the northern coast of Cyprus. The vessel started taking on water approximately 7.5 kilometers from the shore. Footage from the scene depicted individuals wearing life jackets floating near the overturned ferry.

Constantinos Letymbiotis, a representative of Cyprus’s recognized government, expressed readiness to assist in the search-and-rescue mission through all available resources. Letymbiotis conveyed condolences and solidarity with the affected individuals, emphasizing the utmost importance of safeguarding human lives during such challenging circumstances.