Six fatalities, 23 unaccounted for in Kyrenia ferry disaster

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Six fatalities, 23 unaccounted for in Kyrenia ferry disaster

Developing story first seen 47 minutes ago

· 47 minutes ago

The death toll from the ferry capsizing off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus has risen sharply, with the prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) confirming at least six fatalities and other reports citing seven deaths, up from the single death reported earlier. Around 100 passengers have now been evacuated to shore, though rescue teams are still working to reach 23 people believed to remain unaccounted for, with the total death and rescue figures continuing to change as the operation develops.

The Filo Jet catamaran, carrying between 267 and 270 passengers and crew according to differing official counts, left Kyrenia at 11.58am local time bound for Taşucu in Turkey's Mersin province, a roughly 40-mile crossing. It is reported to have begun taking on water two to four miles offshore before capsizing, prompting a large-scale response from Turkish Cypriot coastguard vessels, rescue helicopters and ambulance crews, with Turkey's coast guard also joining the search. Footage shows the vessel upturned in the water with survivors in life jackets clinging to its hull; the cause of the sinking remains under investigation, and hospitals in the TRNC have been placed on alert to treat casualties.

  • Death toll rises to six or seven, up from one earlier report
  • About 100 rescued so far; 23 people still unaccounted for
  • Cause of Filo Jet ferry's capsizing off Kyrenia still under investigation

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