At least seven people died and about twenty remain missing after the sinking of a ferry with 267 people on board off the coast of Northern Cyprus, local authorities reported to Turkish media.
The causes of the sinking have not yet been determined, but a rescued passenger told local media that he heard an explosion at the bow before the ship capsized.
“Of the 267 people on board the ship, 237 were rescued, there are seven dead and 23 remain missing,” said the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Unal Ustel, in a live interview with the Turkish public television channel TRT.
The vessel capsized shortly after departing from the port of Kyrenia heading to the Turkish city of Tasucu.
In images broadcast by Turkish television, the ferry was seen after capsizing, with people wearing life jackets on the orange hull of the ship. It was sunny and several boats from the area came to provide assistance.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey, controls the northern third of the island of Cyprus, divided since 1974.
Ankara occupied that part of the island back then in response to a coup orchestrated by Athens and carried out by Greek Cypriots, aiming to annex the island to Greece. Currently, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has air and sea connections with Turkey.
“All necessary preparations are being made to ensure a rapid response from rescue and health services,” said the Ministry of Health of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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