I would like to convey my wishes for a speedy recovery to our nation and the Turkish Cypriot people following the capsizing of the passenger ship sailing from Girne to Mersin’s Tasucu. Immediately after the accident, we launched extensive search and rescue operations in cooperation with the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Axar.az reports, citing Turkish media, that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks during a meeting with cadets.

It was reported that 237 people have so far been rescued after the passenger ferry sank off the coast of Girne, while seven people died. The search for 23 people is continuing.