A passenger ferry carrying approximately 260 people sank after taking on water about 4 miles (6.44 kilometers) off the coast of Girne (Kyrenia) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday afternoon, prompting a large-scale rescue operation, according to TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı.
The catamaran-type passenger vessel had departed Girne for Mersin’s Taşucu when it began taking on water about 4 miles offshore, Arıklı said in remarks to TRT Haber.
The vessel later capsized, while TRNC Coast Guard and Civil Defense teams were dispatched to the scene. Coast Guard boats, a helicopter and civilian boats and vessels in the area are taking part in the rescue operation as passengers are evacuated and transferred to safer locations.
Arıklı said Coast Guard teams reached the scene approximately 15 to 20 minutes after receiving the report.
Another passenger vessel that had been waiting at Girne Port was also dispatched to the accident site and began taking passengers aboard. Other vessels in the area were mobilized to assist with the evacuation.
Arıklı said authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident, noting that sea conditions in the area are particularly rough.
“It is too early to say anything definite at this point, but the sea is quite rough. We will determine how the incident occurred following the investigation. Our priority is to get our passengers ashore without any loss of life,” he said.
Authorities are preparing for the arrival of evacuated passengers at Girne Port, where ambulances are standing by.
Civil Defense teams are also setting up a medical treatment tent at the port to provide first aid to passengers. Those requiring further medical attention will be transferred to hospitals, Arıklı said.
“We have taken all necessary precautions on the shore. Our ambulances are standing by,” he said.
Arıklı added that rescue teams are working intensively to complete the operation without any loss of life.
Further details are expected as the rescue operation continues.
