Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Unal Ustel has said at least 237 have been rescued, seven are dead, and 23 are missing after a vessel carrying 267 people capsized
Ustel said on Sunday all available resources had been mobilised for rescue efforts, with 172 people rescued so far.
"Along with the coast guard, our people rushed to the scene. Everyone with a boat went to help. Our medical teams are ready, and we have made all necessary preparations," he said, adding that authorities were closely monitoring the incident.
"The vessel was supposed to travel to Türkiye yesterday but departed today due to weather conditions. However, it was hit by a first wave at sea, and while the captain was trying to recover, the vessel began taking on water after a second wave hit," he noted.
Separately, Türkiye's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal that search and rescue operations launched by coast guard units of the TRNC and Türkiye, along with relevant institutions, were continuing without interruption.
"At this point, our primary priority is rescuing the passengers and crew. We are closely following this tragic incident and providing every kind of support to search and rescue efforts," Yilmaz said.
"I extend my best wishes to the passengers and crew aboard the vessel and to our nation," he added.
The privately operated passenger ferry departed Girne Port at around 0930GMT for Tasucu Port in Türkiye's southern Mersin province but began taking on water for an as-yet-unknown reason shortly after leaving the port.
After the ferry began taking on water, the captain issued a distress call, prompting the coast guard and port authorities to dispatch rescue teams to the area.
Public Works and Transport Minister Erhan Arikli said 267 people were aboard the ferry, including 259 passengers and eight crew members, adding that the cause of the incident had yet to be determined.
Eyewitnesses said some passengers jumped into the sea after the vessel began taking on water.
Fishing boats in the area were also reported to have joined the rescue operation.
