A rescue mission is underway after a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers capsized shortly after departing from the coast of northern Cyprus today.

The catamaran-style ferry set off from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne at around 12.30pm and was heading to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.

Turkish Cypriot coastguard boats and rescue helicopters rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to save people from the water. No casualties have been reported so far.

Murat ​Senkul, the mayor of ​the town of Kyrenia, told broadcaster CNN Turk that 159 ​of the 258 passengers ​on board the vessel had been ‌reached. 

Footage shows the upside-down ferry in the water, with people wearing life vests atop its orange hull. The weather was sunny and several boats were seen in the area to lend assistance.

The ⁠Kibris newspaper reported that the vessel began ⁠taking in water about four miles ​off the shore. Ambulances ​had ⁠been dispatched to the scene, it said. 

The transport minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erhan Arikli, told local television: ‘Around 100 passengers have been evacuated and taken to shore.’

He added that the cause of the incident is still being investigated. 

A rescue mission is underway after a ferry carrying more than 260 passengers capsized shortly after departing from the coast of northern Cyprus today

Footage shows people being pulled from the sea and climbing on to the orange lifeboats

Some can be seen sitting on the outer hull of the upturned vessel in lifejackets

The ⁠Kibris newspaper reported that the vessel began ⁠taking in water about four miles ​off the shore. Ambulances ​had ⁠been dispatched to the scene, it said

In a statement on X, Turkey’s vice president 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.

‘At this moment, our primary priority is the rescue of the passengers and crew. We are closely following the unfortunate incident that has occurred and providing all possible support to the search and rescue efforts.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.