Additional Coverage:
At least seven people have lost their lives after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, according to official reports.
Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel confirmed that 237 of the 267 passengers aboard the vessel, named Filo Jet, were successfully rescued. However, 23 individuals remain missing. Fortunately, none of those rescued are reported to be in critical condition.
The ferry reportedly began taking on water about 15 minutes after departing port, amid adverse weather conditions. A distress call was issued shortly thereafter.
The vessel was en route from Kyrenia in northern Cyprus to Taşucu in Turkey. In response, Turkish authorities deployed four coastguard ships, four helicopters, and a civilian passenger ship to assist with the ongoing search and rescue operations.
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş expressed his condolences for the victims of this tragic incident. Rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing passengers.