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At least eight dead and 22 missing after ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- At least eight people have died and 22 are missing after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, with 237 people rescued so far.
- The ferry sank to a depth of 514 meters near Diana beach, about 7.5 km off the coast, while traveling from Kyrenia to Taşucu in Turkey.
- Rescue teams are intensively searching for missing passengers, but reaching those possibly trapped inside the sunken vessel is challenging due to the depth.
- The ferry, operated by Filo Denizcilik, was a popular and affordable travel option for Turks and Turkish Cypriots, many of whom use it to visit family between the mainland and northern Cyprus.
- Authorities described the incident as the worst maritime disaster in the region in over 40 years, with emergency services continuing efforts amid widespread shock and sadness.
