Ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus, at least seven dead

At least seven people died after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, according to the Turkish media. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel said 237 people had been rescued, while a search was underway for another 24 people. Ustel told Turkish state-run TRT that the ferry encountered adverse weather conditions and began taking in water about 15 minutes after leaving the port. A distress call was issued shortly afterwards, he said. Video footage from the scene showed people wearing life jackets in the water around the capsized vessel as rescue operations continued. The catamaran-style ferry was travelling from Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in northern Cyprus to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the vessel was operated by Filo Denizcilik and sank off Diana beach on the northern coast of Cyprus. According to TRT, the ferry began taking in water about 7.5 km (4 nautical miles) from the coast. More details awaited.