TRNC Public Works and Transport Minister Erhan Arikli said Sunday that the privately operated ferry departed Kyrenia Port at about 12:30 p.m. local time (0930 GMT), bound for Tasucu Port in Türkiye’s southern Mersin province, Anadolu Agency reported.
The vessel began taking on water shortly after departure for reasons that remain unknown.
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After the incident, the captain issued a distress call, prompting coast guard units and port authorities to send rescue teams to the area.
Arikli said rescue efforts were continuing and confirmed that 259 passengers and eight crew members were aboard the ferry, bringing the total number of people on board to 267.
Witnesses reported that some passengers jumped into the sea after the vessel began taking on water.
Fishing boats operating in the area also joined the rescue effort, according to reports.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the ferry to take on water, while rescue teams continue working to assist those aboard and assess the situation.
