Ferry carrying 260 people capsizes off coast of Cyprus as major rescue operation launched
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By FREYA BARNES, NEWS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
A rescue mission is underway after a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers capsized shortly after departing from the coast of northern Cyprus today.
The catamaran-style ferry set off from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne at around 12.30pm and was heading to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats and rescue helicopters rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to save people from the water. No casualties have been reported so far.
Footage shows people being pulled from the sea and climbing on to the orange lifeboats.
Some can be seen sitting on the outer hull of the upturned privately-operated vessel in lifejackets.
The ferry started taking in water a few kilometres off the coast, the Turkish state-run TRT news channel reported.
Northern Cyprus Transportation Minister Erhan Arikli told TRT that the ship had overturned and that rescue crews were already on the scene.
A rescue mission is underway after a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers capsized shortly after departing from the coast of northern Cyprus today
Footage shows people being pulled from the sea and climbing on to the orange lifeboats
Some can be seen sitting on the outer hull of the upturned vessel in lifejackets
In a statement on X, Turkey's vice president Cevdet Yilmaz said: 'We are deeply saddened by the news we have received. A catamaran-type passenger ship has sunk after taking on water off the coast of Girne.
'Search and rescue operations have been launched by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions and are continuing without interruption.
'At this moment, our primary priority is the rescue of the passengers and crew. We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search and rescue efforts.'
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