Cyprus offers search-and-rescue support after Kyrenia ferry sinking

Kyrenia, Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus said it is ready to assist search-and-rescue operations after a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Kyrenia on Sunday, killing seven people.

The vessel was travelling from Kyrenia to the Turkish port of Tasucu and was carrying 267 people, including 259 passengers and eight crew members.

Government response

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis expressed “deep sadness” over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

“Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, with the injured, with all those experiencing this tragedy, and with their families, in these extremely difficult times,” he said.

Letymbiotis said the Republic of Cyprus had declared from the outset its readiness to support the search-and-rescue operation with all necessary available means.

“At such a time, the protection of human life is above all else,” he said.

Offer of assistance

Larnaca’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said earlier that it was ready to assist the operation launched in the north following the capsize.

According to the Cyprus News Agency, the centre contacted the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus to request that the Turkish Cypriot side be informed that the Republic of Cyprus was ready, if necessary, to provide aeronautical search-and-rescue assets.

The Cyprus News Agency also reported that President Nikos Christodoulides instructed his chief negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou, to seek communication with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman to convey the Republic of Cyprus’ readiness to provide all possible assistance.

“When human lives are in danger, we contribute with every available means. The Republic of Cyprus has the means, the operational capability, and, above all, the readiness to assist immediately,” a government official was quoted as saying.

Casualties and rescue efforts

The ferry capsized shortly after departing the new port of Kyrenia at around 12.10pm.

Tufan Erhurman said shortly after 4.30pm that seven people had been confirmed dead and 237 had been brought ashore. Rescue efforts were continuing for 23 people who remained unaccounted for.