At Least Eight Dead After Ferry Capsizes Off Cyprus — And More Than A Dozen Still Missing

A passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people has capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, killing at least eight and leaving more than a dozen still missing in the water.

The disaster unfolded on Saturday afternoon when the privately-owned vessel began taking on water shortly after leaving the popular resort town of Kyrenia, according to the BBC.

The ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it was hit by two massive waves that caused it to capsize, officials said.

What Happened

The ship departed Kyrenia at around 12:30pm local time on Saturday, bound for Turkey. But it had been delayed by poor weather conditions — and the sea was still choppy when it set sail.

Ünal Üstel, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, told Turkish media that the boat was struck by two waves in quick succession.

While the captain was trying to recover from the first wave, a second hit and the vessel began taking on water. It capsized soon after.

Local television broadcast images of the upside-down ferry in the water, with passengers in life vests clinging to its hull as they waited for rescue.

The Rescue Operation

Helicopters and coastguard boats were immediately dispatched to the scene, while ambulances lined up on the beach ready to receive survivors.

At least 100 passengers have been pulled from the water and taken to shore, transport minister Erhan Arikli told local media.

But more than a dozen people are still unaccounted for, and a major search and rescue operation is ongoing. Turkish authorities have joined the effort.

By Sunday evening, the 40-metre-long Filo Jet vessel had completely sunk, Arikli confirmed.

The Investigation

The ship's captain and all seven crew members have been detained as part of an investigation into how the tragedy happened.

Üstel said on social media that the disaster would be "thoroughly investigated" and that "even the slightest negligence will be uncovered."

"No one will be spared, regardless of who they are, who is found to be at fault or responsible," he wrote.

One local boat owner, Mustafa Koc, who rescued around 65 people from the water, told the BBC he felt the crew should have waited for calmer conditions.

"It wasn't safe for them," he said. "The sea was quite choppy."

Koc added that the boat had arrived in Kyrenia on Saturday with "some damage in the front."

What Happens Next

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent his condolences and said rescue efforts "continue uninterrupted."

The ferry company, Filo Denizcilik, said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic accident." A hotline has been set up for families seeking information about their loved ones.

The nationalities of those on board and the status of the injured remain unclear.

The privately-owned ferry sails under the Turkish flag and operates between northern Cyprus and Turkey. The northern third of Cyprus has been controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus — recognised only by Turkey — since the island was divided in 1974.

Sources:

• BBC News