Following the sinking of a passenger vessel carrying approximately 270 people in the waters off northern Cyprus, a large-scale rescue operation has been launched to save those on board. Authorities have so far reported at least one death and the rescue of 159 people.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, in the waters off northern Cyprus. Reports indicate that eight of the people on board were crew members, while the remaining passengers were travelers.
The vessel, which was operated by a private company, was traveling from the port of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus toward the port of Taşucu in Mersin, Turkey, when it sank. No further details have so far been released regarding the exact time the incident occurred.
The cause of the sinking remains unknown, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials have not yet provided any information about possible factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Authorities said those who were rescued are being taken to the port of Kyrenia to receive medical care and be transferred to hospitals. Search-and-rescue operations are continuing to locate the remaining people on board.
Images released from the scene show several passengers wearing life jackets while sitting or standing on the vessel. Final details regarding the number of people rescued and the fate of the remaining passengers have not yet been announced.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
