At least eight people are dead, and 22 unaccounted for, after a boat carrying 267 people from northern Cyprus to Turkey capsized on Sunday.
Two hundred and thirty-seven people have been rescued, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said, according to state-run media outlet TRT World.
The ferry captain and seven others were detained by police as part of an investigation, The Associated Press reported.
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“Along with the coast guard, our people rushed to the scene. Everyone with a boat went to help. Our medical teams are ready, and we have made all necessary preparations,” Üstel said.
While the vessel was supposed to head to Turkey Saturday, Üstel said, it was delayed until Sunday because of weather conditions.
The boat was hit by a wave, and “while the captain was trying to recover, the vessel began taking on water after a second wave hit,” Üstel said, according to TRT.
Some people on the boat jumped into the sea after it started taking on water, TRT reported.
The ship was from the Filo Denizcilik ferry company, Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said.
Erhan Arikli, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ public works and transport minister, said rescued passengers were taken to Kyrenia Port and then transported to hospitals, according to Anadolu.
“I was deeply saddened to learn that the ferry departing from the Port of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has capsized,” Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said on X. “I extend my condolences from God to those who lost their lives in this exceedingly tragic incident, and wish patience to their families and loved ones; I hope that the ongoing efforts to rescue the passengers and crew safely conclude successfully.”
Cyprus government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis said the country is following developments about the sinking “with deep sorrow and anguish.”
“The Republic of Cyprus, from the very first moment, has declared its full readiness to immediately contribute to the search and rescue efforts, providing every necessary means,” Letymbiotis said.
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