At least seven dead and 23 missing after ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus

Authorities say 237 people rescued and search under way for those who remain unaccounted for

• Northern Cyprus ferry disaster – latest updates

At least seven people have died and 23 people are missing after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, local authorities said.

The territory’s prime minister, Ünal Üstel, told the state-run TRT news channel on Sunday that 237 people had been rescued. A search was under way for those who remained unaccounted for.