A passenger boat carrying around 270 people has capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation involving helicopters, coastguard vessels and ambulances. The incident, which occurred roughly four miles offshore near the coastal town of Kyrenia, is being treated as extremely serious given the number of people believed to have been aboard.

Officials say 159 of those on board have been reached so far, with the Kyrenia mayor, Murat Senkul, describing the situation as "very serious". The transport minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey and controls the northern third of the divided island, said 100 passengers had been brought ashore. Footage has shown the vessel capsized in the water with survivors clinging to its upturned hull while wearing life vests; the story is still developing, with further details expected.