A ferry has capsized in northern Cyprus with 267 people onboard, killing eight.

The captain and seven crew members of the passenger ship Express have been detained by authorities as they assess any ‘negligence’ with the sinking.

The ferry was carrying 258 passengers plus crew from Kyrenia (Girne) to the Turkish port of Tasucu when the incident took place.

Footage taken on board shows passengers scrambling to put on life jackets.

More than 200 people were rescued from the ship and search and rescue operations are continuing, local media reported.

The boat began to take on water a few miles from the coast before capsizing, Turkish state-run broadcaster TRT news reported.

Describing the sinking as ‘the biggest maritime disaster Cyprus has experienced,’ Prime Minister Unal Ustel said: ‘The ship’s captain and seven crew members have been detained as part of the investigation into the capsizing.

‘This incident will be investigated in every aspect. If there is even the slightest negligence, it will be uncovered.

‘Whoever is at fault and bears responsibility will be held accountable,’ he added.

A huge search and rescue operation is now underway to save the people onboard.

Three coast guard boats and a number of private boats responded to the incident as it sank.

At least one helicopter is also involved in the rescue efforts.

There have been several injuries but so far no casualties reported.

Around 100 of those who were on the boat are not yet accounted for, according to Kyrenia mayor Murat Senkul.

He described the situation as ‘very serious’.

Public works minister Erhan Arikli said: ‘Unfortunately, the ship is now upside down.

‘Work continues for the evacuation of approximately 260 passengers.’

Arikli added that the sea is currently ‘quite rough’, complicating the operation.

‘Our priority is to bring our passengers to land without loss of life.’

‘Coast Guard and Civil Defense teams intervened immediately. Unfortunately, the ship is currently capsized. Efforts are underway to evacuate approximately 260 passengers.’

Vice president of Turkey Cevdet Yilmaz said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news we have received.

‘A catamaran-type passenger ship has sunk after taking on water off the coast of Girne.

‘Search and rescue operations have been launched by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions and are continuing without interruption.’

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