No fewer than seven people died, and 23 are missing on Sunday after a private boat ferrying nearly 270 passengers capsized in North Cyprus, according to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

The FILOJET ferry, which departed the port of Kyrenia at 09:30 GMT, was heading to the eastern Mediterranean in the Turkish port of Tascucu when water flooded it. 

About 259 passengers and eight crew were aboard the ship when it overturned on Sunday.

Mr Erhurman said 237 people have been rescued while rescue teams were searching for the other 23 passengers.

“We have reached 237 people alive,” Mr Erhurman told CNN. “However, we have also recovered seven people who lost their lives. We are deeply saddened by this.” 

The Turkish Cypriot leader said the boat accident was a first for the territory, which largely has a clean slate of disasters.

“There is a great sense of shock here. This is not something we have experienced before… we ⁠are extremely saddened. Everyone is doing everything they can and making every effort,” said Mr Erhurman, filmed speaking from the accident scene.

Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel said rescue teams were scouting the area for survivors.

“Our sole priority right now is human life. All institutions of our state, ⁠our security forces, our health teams and our search and rescue elements are on the ground in full coordination,” Mr Ustel said.