Boat carrying some 270 people capsizes off northern Cyprus
A local mayor says 159 passengers have been reached so far, with a rescue operation under way.
A vessel transporting approximately 270 individuals has overturned in the waters off northern Cyprus, prompting an ongoing search and rescue effort.
Murat Senkul, the mayor of Kyrenia, a town on the coast, informed CNN Turk that rescuers have made contact with 159 people from the boat. He described the situation as "very serious."
Reports indicate the boat started taking on water roughly four miles from the coastline. Local television has shown footage of the ferry inverted in the water, with individuals wearing life vests visible on its hull.
Helicopters and coastguard vessels have been deployed to the site, and ambulances are positioned on the beach.
Erhan Arikli, the transport minister for the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized solely by Turkey, told local media that 100 passengers have been brought to shore. The TRNC governs the northern third of Cyprus, an island that has been divided since 1974.