A ferry with approximately 270 passengers sank near the northern coast of Cyprus.

A passenger ferry, operated by the company Filo Denizcilik, capsized and sank on Sunday near the northern coast of Cyprus, shortly after departing from the port of Girne heading to Taşucu. Information regarding the exact number of people on board varies, with estimates indicating between 267 and 279 passengers and crew members.

The ferry began taking on water a few kilometers from the coast, and authorities mobilized a large rescue operation, involving Coast Guard vessels and civilian boats.

The Minister of Transport in northern Cyprus stated that the situation is "very serious," and images from the accident site show people in the water, wearing life jackets.

So far, there is no official death toll, but local sources suggest that there may be injured. Authorities continue to work to rescue those in distress at sea.