The Cyprus Government has expressed “deep sadness and concern” following the sinking of a vessel off Kyrenia, with Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis stressing that the Republic of Cyprus has been ready from the outset to assist search and rescue efforts.

“We are watching with deep sadness and concern the developments following the sinking of a vessel off Kyrenia,” Letympiotis said in a post on X, in Greek and Turkish.

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

Letympiotis stressed that the Republic of Cyprus “from the very first moment, declared its full readiness to provide immediate assistance to the search and rescue efforts, making every necessary means available.”

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

The vessel that sank off Kyrenia on Sunday, was carrying about 267 people, including passengers and crew.

According to the latest information, 241 people were rescued alive, while eight people have died and 18 remain missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing in the area.

The Republic of Cyprus’ Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca offered assistance to the search and rescue operation. The offer was conveyed to the Turkish Cypriot side through the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), but was not accepted.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.

Source: Parikiaki.com