A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, shortly after leaving port, the local government said.

At least seven people have died, Turkish state media reported, citing Unal Ustel, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Ustel said some 237 people had been rescued, while 23 people were missing.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with the northern part under the administration of the TRNC, which is recognized internationally only by Turkey. 

Passenger boat heading from northern Cyprus to Turkey

Turkish media reported that a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers was traveling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in southern Mersin province when it sank.

Erhan Arikli, the TRNC's transport minister, told Turkish and Cypriot media that there were 267 people on board — 259 passengers and eight crew members.

"All necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services," the TRNC's Health Ministry said in a statement.

Search-and-rescue operations ongoing

In a post on X, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said: "We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search-and-rescue efforts." 

Turkey's state-run TRT news channel reported that the ferry began taking on water 7.5 kilometers (4 nautical miles) from the coast.

Edited by: Natalie Muller, Dmytro Hubenko

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