At least six dead after ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus coast

At least six people have died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, local media reported.

More than 172 people have been rescued, the region’s prime minister, Ünal Üstel, told the state-run TRT news channel on Sunday.

The catamaran-style ferry had been travelling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the breakaway north of divided Cyprus, to the port of Taşucu in Mersin province, Turkey.

Kyrenia’s mayor, Murat Şenkul, said the ferry belonged to the Filo Denizcilik company and had sunk off Diana beach. It started taking in water about 7.5km (4 nautical miles) off the coast, TRT reported.

Video footage from the scene shows people wearing life vests floating in the waters around the capsized vessel.

The Turkish ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri, said there were some casualties but did not specify how many, speaking to TRT.

Many of the 259 passengers and eight crew members were rescued, Basceri said, adding that some were taken to hospital.

More details soon …