Capsized ferry in Cyprus claims 7 lives, 24 still missing

At least seven people have been killed after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus.

Some 237 people were rescued, according to the prime minister of Northern Cyprus, who added that a search continued for another 24 people. Officials say the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure.

A call for help was issued shortly after. The catamaran-style ferry was travelling from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.