A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday, shortly after leaving port, the local government said.

Six people have died, Turkish state media reported, citing Unal Ustel, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Ustel said that around 100 passengers had been evacuated.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with the northern part under the administration of the TRNC, which is recognized internationally only by Turkey. Authorities said many of the passengers and crew members were rescuedImage: Reuters TV/REUTERS

Passenger boat heading from northern Cyprus to Turkey