Dramatic accident on the island of Cyprus , where a passenger ferry departing from the port of Kyrenia/Girne sank off the northern coast.

There were 267 people on board, 172 of whom were rescued. Seven people have been confirmed dead so far, but more than twenty people are reportedly missing.

"All necessary measures have been taken to enable a rapid response by emergency and health services," the ministry said in a press release.

The vessel had sent out a distress signal at 12:10 p.m., reporting water leaking about three miles north of the coast of Cyprus, shortly after leaving port.

Recovery operations, local media report, are still underway with the use of another vessel and a helicopter.

(Unioneonline/vl)

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