Seven killed and 23 missing in boat capsizing off northern Cyprus

Seven people have died and 23 others are still missing after a passenger boat capsized off northern Cyprus, the head of the Turkish administration there has said.

Ünal Üstel, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed territory, which is only recognised by Turkey, said the ferry ha been carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water after departing the coastal town of Kyrenia.

He offered his condolences to the families of those who had died, wishing them "patience and strength".

A search and rescue operation to find the passengers still unaccounted for is under way.

The privately owned ferry left the port at 12:30 local time (09:30 GMT), local media report.

Helicopters and coastguard boats have been dispatched to the scene, while ambulances have been stationed on the beach ready to receive rescued passengers.

Üstel wrote on social media that the "priority right now is human life", adding that security forces, rescue teams and health officials were all on the scene.

The transport minister of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erhan Arikli, told local media that 100 passengers had been taken to shore.

The Filo Jet vessel is a high-speed 40m long and 10m wide craft that sails under the flag of Turkey, according to Marine Traffic.

Filo Denizcilik, the company which operates the capsized passenger boat, said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic accident".

A hotline has been set up to provide passengers' relatives with information.

Local television has broadcast images of the upside-down ferry in the water, with people wearing life vests atop its hull.

The TRNC, which is recognised only by Turkey, controls the northern third of the island of Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974.