The death toll from the passenger ferry disaster off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has risen to 21 after rescue teams recovered another body, while the search continues for seven people who remain missing.

According to the latest official statement, the body of one more victim was recovered during ongoing search operations on Monday. Identification procedures have been initiated, while authorities said all available resources continue to be mobilized to locate the remaining missing passengers.

Officials extended their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said search-and-rescue operations would continue uninterrupted until every missing person had been accounted for.

The ferry, which was operating between Kyrenia Port in the TRNC and the Turkish port of Taşucu in Mersin province, began taking on water shortly after departing Kyrenia.

The vessel attempted to return to the port but capsized and later sank, triggering one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the history of the TRNC. Hundreds of passengers were rescued during the initial emergency response, while Turkish and TRNC authorities have continued joint recovery efforts.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident, while search teams remain at the site in an effort to locate the seven people who are still missing.(ILKHA)