At least eight people were killed after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus.
A ferry carrying 267 people, including passengers and crew, capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus while traveling from Kyrenia to the Turkish port of Tasucu. The vessel began taking on water approximately 15 minutes after departing from port on Sunday. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ãœnal Ãœstel stated that the ferry encountered adverse weather conditions, which caused the vessel to sink. At least eight people were killed in the disaster, while 237 people were rescued from the water and the overturned boat. Search efforts continued on Monday to locate the remaining 23 people who were considered missing. Rescue operations involved four coastguard vessels from northern Cyprus, a passenger vessel, and two coastguard helicopters. The Turkish Interior Ministry confirmed that the vessel had a valid seaworthiness certificate. Authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the sinking, and nine people connected to the ferry's operations have been detained for questioning.
Sources
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