7 dead after passenger ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus

At least 7 people have died, and 23 others remained missing after a passenger ship capsized off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, reported Xinhua, quoting local media.

The vessel, identified as the Express and operated by Filo Jet, was carrying 267 people when it was caught in a storm and capsized off the coast of Kyrenia shortly after departing the port, according to Cyprus media outlet Philenews.

Turkish Cypriot officials confirmed that the vessel was carrying 259 passengers and 8 crew members. Totally 237 people have been rescued so far, while 7 bodies have been recovered. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for 23 missing individuals.

The cause of the vessel's capsizing remains under investigation.