At least eight people dead in ferry capsize off northern Cyprus

Eight people are dead, and 17 others are missing after a ferry carrying hundreds of passengers capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday (Monday AEST).

Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel told Turkish state broadcaster TRT that 237 people have so far been rescued. A search is underway for another 22 people, officials said.

Video footage from the scene shows some survivors clinging to the capsized boat waiting rescuers, while others wearing lifejackets were floating in the water.

The privately-owned catamaran-style ferry left Kyrenia port, in the  breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, at 12.30pm local time bound for Turkey.

Ustel says about 15 minutes after departure a call for help was issued by the captain.

“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.

“The vessel was supposed to travel to Türkiye yesterday (Saturday) 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.”

Authorities have arrested the vessel’s captain and seven crew members as they continue investigations.

Read more

NATO leaders came to Turkey to discuss security. Erdogan gave them each an engraved revolver

Turkish President Erdogan said Turkey mobilised all available resources for extensive rescue operations.

“Immediately after the accident, we launched extensive search and rescue operations in cooperation with the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” he said.

Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkish invaded a few days after an Athens junta-backed coup by supporters of union with Greece.

Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983, but only Turkey recognises the north where it maintains more than 35,000 troops.

- With Associated Press