A large-scale operation has been launched in the Mediterranean after a passenger ship traveling from Northern Cyprus to Turkey capsized.
Të lidhura
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Turkish Cypriot media reported that around 300 people were on board. The ship had departed from Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Taşucu, but began taking on water during the journey.
Erhan Arıklı, Minister of Public Works of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, confirmed to Turkish state television that the ship had capsized. According to him, the operation is focused on evacuating around 260 passengers.
“Unfortunately, the ship has now capsized. Efforts are continuing to evacuate around 260 passengers,” Arıklı said.
Coast Guard vessels, helicopters and civilian boats that were near the area are taking part in the rescue efforts. Footage released from the scene shows at least one helicopter hovering over the capsized ship.
The minister said conditions at sea were difficult, adding: “The sea is quite rough. Our priority is to bring the passengers ashore without loss of life.”
Tracking data shows that the ship was located north of Kyrenia on Sunday morning before the signal indicating its position was lost.
Another ferry also appears to have headed toward the scene to assist the passengers. It was later seen approaching the port of Kyrenia.
Live footage from Kyrenia showed people arriving at the port as ambulance sirens could be heard. Several ambulances were also seen lined up in the port area.
Videos shared on social media, which are claimed to have been recorded at the scene, show the ship listing to one side amid the waves. Rescue teams can be seen pulling several people wearing life jackets from the water, while others remain at sea.
