BODRUM, Turkey — At least seven people have died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, Turkish media reported.
\n\nSome 237 people have been rescued, Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel told Turkish state-run TRT news channel. He said a search was underway for another 24 people.
\n\nUstel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure. A call for help was issued shortly after, he said.
\n\nThe catamaran-style ferry was traveling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
\n\nKyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the ship belonged to the Filo Denizcilik ferry company and sank off the coast of Diana Beach on Cyprus’ northern coast.
\n\nThe ferry started taking in water about 7.5 kilometers (4 nautical miles) off the coast, TRT reported.
\n\nVideo footage from the scene shows people with life vests awaiting rescue on top of the capsized vessel.
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business
