NICOSIA, – At least eight people died and 18 were missing after a ferry carrying around 270 passengers and crew capsized off North Cyprus on Sunday, leaving survivors clinging to its overturned hull.
It was heading for the Turkish port of Tasucu in the eastern Mediterranean. The incident has sent shockwaves through the territory. Hours after the incident relatives remained outside a local hospital and the port gates in Kyrenia, waiting for news of their loved ones. “There is a great sense of shock here.
The privately owned ferry left the port of Kyrenia at 12:30 p.m. local time and immediately started taking on water for an unknown reason, authorities said. By late afternoon, the ship had sunk, settling on the seabed at a depth of 514 metres .
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident. Turkish Cypriot authorities said the captain of the vessel and seven crew had been detained for questioning. Divers from Turkey would be assisting the search, they said. This is not something we have experienced before,” he said.
Asked about the cause of the capsize, Erhurman noted the storm on Saturday, but said the weather on Sunday was considered suitable for travel.
In Turkey, President Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences to the families affected. Expressions of condolence and offers of assistance also came from Cyprus’s internationally recognised government. Cyprus has been split down Greek and Turkish Cypriot lines since 1974, when Turkey invaded in response to a brief Greek-inspired coup.
The Turkish Cypriot Interior Ministry said the passenger ferry “FILOJET” was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew. Four Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels and a civilian passenger boat were deployed to the scene, along with five Turkish coastguard vessels and two helicopters, the ministry statement said.
