Cyprus has been physically divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasionpublished at 18:09 BST
18:09 BST
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption,
Members of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
The vessel capsized just off the coast of northern Cyprus, which is run by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) – a self-declared state which is recognised only by Turkey.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the Greek government.
The island was effectively partitioned, with the northern third run by a Turkish Cypriot government and the southern two-thirds by the internationally-recognised government led by Greek Cypriots.
United Nations troops have since patrolled a buffer zone – also called the “Green Line” – dividing the two parts, and reunification talks have made slow progress.
The buffer zone extends approximately 180km across the island. In some parts it is only a few meters wide, while in other areas it is a few kilometres wide, according to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
There are several villages within the zone, where more than 10,000 people live and work, according to the UN.