**Title: Pakistan, UK, EU, US Offer Condolences Over Deadly Ferry Accident**
On Sunday, condolences poured in from Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States following a tragic ferry accident off the coast of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. The incident, which occurred shortly after the ferry departed, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of eight individuals, with 18 others still unaccounted for.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating he was “deeply saddened by the tragic capsizing of a passenger ship in the Mediterranean Sea.” He extended his “heartfelt condolences” to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish government, and the families of the victims. Sharif emphasized the solidarity of the Pakistani people with Turkey during this difficult time, offering prayers for the safe recovery of those still missing and commending the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
In the UK, Stewart Wood, the parliamentary undersecretary of state for Europe, also conveyed his condolences. He expressed his sadness regarding the incident and paid tribute to the emergency responders involved in the rescue operations. The British embassy in Ankara echoed these sentiments, extending condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and expressing hope for the safe return of the missing passengers.
The European Union's delegation in Turkey issued a statement expressing its deep sadness over the ferry accident. They offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and conveyed thoughts for all those impacted by the event.
The US embassy in Nicosia joined in the expressions of sympathy, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and keeping thoughts with those still missing and affected by the accident.
The ferry, which had a total of 259 passengers and eight crew members onboard, capsized shortly after leaving the new port of Kyrenia at approximately 12:10 PM, en route to the Turkish port of Tasucu. By 9 PM, authorities reported that 241 individuals had been rescued and brought ashore, while the search continued for the 18 missing persons.
In a significant development following the incident, the captain of the ferry and the seven crew members have been arrested as investigations into the cause of the capsizing begin. The Turkish authorities have announced a three-day mourning period in remembrance of those who lost their lives in what has been described as one of Cyprus' worst maritime disasters.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the international community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of those still unaccounted for. The tragedy has highlighted the importance of maritime safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent such incidents in the future.