At least seven people have died after a passenger boat capsized near northern Cyprus, triggering a major search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean.
According to Ünal Üstel, prime minister of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a total of 267 people were on board the vessel when the accident occurred. Authorities have rescued 237 people so far, while 23 passengers remain missing.
Search and rescue teams are continuing a large-scale operation to locate those who have not yet been found. Maritime rescue units and emergency services have been deployed to the area as authorities race against time.
Officials said the passenger vessel departed from the northern Cypriot port of Kyrenia at approximately 11:58 local time. The boat was reportedly travelling towards Turkey when it capsized around four nautical miles into its journey.
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed. Authorities are expected to investigate whether weather conditions, technical problems, overcrowding or other factors may have contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has raised serious concerns because of the large number of people on board the vessel. Those rescued are being assisted by emergency teams, while efforts continue to trace the missing passengers.
With 23 people still unaccounted for, rescue operations remain the immediate priority. Authorities are continuing their efforts at sea and further updates are expected as the operation develops.
The death toll and number of missing people could change as search and rescue teams continue their work.
