"Around 100 passengers have been evacuated and taken to shore," the transport minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erhan Arikli, told local television. He added that the vessel was "taking on water" and a rescue operation was under way.  It was not immediately known how many people in total had been on board the ferry, which had left the Northern Cyprus port of Kyrenia headed for the Turkish port of Tasucu. Images broadcast by Turkish television showed the upside-down ferry in the water, with people wearing life vests atop its orange hull. The weather was sunny and several boats were seen in the area to lend assistance. The TRNC, which is recognised only by Turkey, controls the northern third of the island of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974.

Ankara occupied that part of the island that year in response to an Athens-engineered Greek Cypriot coup seeking union with Greece. The TRNC today is served with regular air and sea links to Turkey. "All necessary preparations are being made for a swift response from rescue and health services," the TRNC's health ministry said in a statement. It added that hospitals in the territory had been alerted, so they could provide any medical attention that might be needed. (Bssnews)