Ferry capsizes in northern Cyprus, at least eight dead and 22 missing

A ferry carrying 267 people capsized minutes after leaving port in northern Cyprus on Sunday, killing at least eight passengers and leaving 22 still missing as rescue crews combed waters where survivors clung to the vessel's upturned orange hull.

Rescuers pulled 237 people from the water after the ferry began taking on water just 15 minutes into its journey, according to Unal Ustel, the Turkish Cypriot prime minister in the breakaway northern territory. He told Turkish state broadcaster TRT that adverse weather conditions contributed to the disaster.

Investigation launched as captain detained

Police detained eight people, including the ferry captain, as investigators work to determine what caused the vessel to sink so rapidly. One rescued passenger told local media that a blast erupted at the bow of the ferry before it rolled over, though the cause has not been officially established.

Turkish television footage showed the capsized ferry floating upside down, with people in life vests standing atop its orange hull while awaiting rescue.

The incident occurred off the coast of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey, in the ethnically divided island's northern breakaway region. Search operations continued for the 22 people still unaccounted for.

Source: South China Morning Post