Ferry Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus, Leaving People Dead
A ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus. It was carrying 267 passengers and crew.
The boat began taking on water after leaving Kyrenia for Turkey. It capsized soon after leaving.
At least seven people were reported dead. Later Turkish party lawmaker Sami Ozuslu said nine or ten had died.
His update raised the earlier death toll. Rescue teams pulled survivors from the water.
Reports on rescues and missing people gave different numbers. The Guardian said 237 people were rescued and 23 were missing.
The Turkish ambassador to Nicosia gave different numbers. He said 172 people were rescued.
He said 89 people remained missing. Northern Cyprus's prime minister said more than 172 were rescued.
Families gathered at hospitals in Nicosia and Kyrenia. They searched for news about loved ones.
Key Terms 4
- Northern Cyprus A region on the island of Cyprus recognized only by Turkey.
- Kyrenia A coastal city in northern Cyprus where the ferry departed.
- Nicosia The capital city of Cyprus, divided between two communities.
- Sami Ozuslu A lawmaker from the Republican Turkish party in Cyprus.