Search continues for 18 passengers after ferry capsized in northern Cyprus

Search and rescue operations are continuing off the coast of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus after a passenger ferry capsized and sank on Sunday, leaving at least eight people dead and 18 others missing. The vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, was traveling from the coastal resort town of Kyrenia in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Tasucu, Turkey, when it began taking on water shortly after departure. Local authorities confirmed that 19 people are currently receiving medical treatment at hospitals across northern Cyprus as emergency crews continue to search the debris-strewn waters.

The capsized vessel has been identified as the Filo Jet, a 40-meter high-speed passenger ferry flying the Turkish flag and operated by the shipping firm Filo Denizcilik. According to officials, the boat sank completely and is currently lying at a depth of 514 meters. Search teams are working to locate and recover the vessel's black box recorder to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the maritime disaster.

Preliminary reports indicate that severe weather played a key role in the incident. The ferry had originally been scheduled to depart for Turkey on Saturday, but bad weather delayed the voyage until Sunday afternoon. Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stated that the ship was struck by two large waves shortly after leaving port at approximately 12:30 local time. As the captain attempted to stabilize the vessel following the first wave, a second wave hit, causing the boat to capsize and fill with water rapidly.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Üstel declared a three-day period of national mourning across northern Cyprus. Law enforcement agencies have launched a criminal investigation into the sinking. Authorities arrested the ship's captain, seven crew members, and one additional individual on Monday, while arrest warrants have been issued for seven other suspects connected to the operation of the vessel. Operator Filo Denizcilik issued a statement stating it was deeply saddened by the tragic accident.

Desperate family members have gathered at the port in Kyrenia as search vessels and rescue teams continue to scan the ocean for survivors. Among those missing are 12-year-old Miray Bicer and her six-year-old brother Mehmet Asaf. Their mother, Ayten Bicer, described trying to hold onto her daughter while clinging to the overturned hull before engine oil and falling debris forced the child from her grip.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus comprises the northern third of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which has remained divided since 1974, and is recognized officially only by Turkey. Search efforts for the 18 missing passengers remain active as recovery teams monitor the waters between northern Cyprus and the southern coast of Turkey.

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