Cyprus Ferry Capsizes, Rescue Teams Race to Save Lives

New Delhi, A ferry travelling from Northern Cyprus to Türkiye capsized after taking on water several miles from the coast, prompting a major search-and-rescue operation. The incident occurred on the busy maritime route connecting Kyrenia, also known as Girne, with the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel told Turkish state-run TRT that more than 172 people had been rescued so far. The catamaran-style vessel had departed from Kyrenia in the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus. According to an official quoted by AFP, the ferry has now “completely sunk.” Local newspaper Kibris reported that the vessel began taking in water approximately four miles from the shore, following which ambulances were sent to the area. The Health Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus said, "All necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services," according to AFP. Northern Cyprus Transportation Minister Erhan Arikli confirmed that the ship had overturned and said rescue teams were already working at the scene. Earlier, he had told Turkish state-run TRT that around 100 people had been rescued and taken to Kyrenia, while search-and-rescue efforts remained underway, according to Bloomberg. “We don’t know what caused the vessel to take on water,” Arikli said. The company operating the ferry has not yet been identified, although several operators run services along the Kyrenia-Tasucu route. Social media footage showed people wearing life jackets and remaining in the water around the overturned vessel. The ferry accident comes alongside another maritime incident in southern Tunisia, where a boat carrying migrants capsized, killing at least two people and leaving 12 others missing, Tunisia's National Guard said. One survivor was rescued. Guard spokesperson Houssem Eddine Jebabli said authorities recovered two bodies and transported them to a hospital on the nearby island of Djerba. He also told national radio Mosaique FM that around 15 people were believed to have been aboard the boat when it departed between Zarzis and Ben Guerdane. With the Northern Cyprus ferry now submerged, rescue teams remain focused on locating and assisting anyone who may still be unaccounted for. The circumstances that caused the vessel to take on water are yet to be established, leaving the investigation and continuing rescue operation central to the aftermath of the incident.