Nearly 20 people are still unaccounted for after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, killing at least eight. Divers have joined search teams scouring deep waters for any survivors.
The double-hulled ferry, carrying 267 people, took on water and flipped over on Sunday just off the port city of Kyrenia, leaving survivors clinging to the upturned hull. They were rescued by passing boats and coastguard members.
“We’ve been waiting since morning, for 12 hours or maybe more,” said Naif Ezer, one of those anxiously waiting outside the port for news of passengers through the early hours of Monday.
Of three friends traveling home to see their families, one had been found, but the other two were still missing, he added. Some of those waiting sat and wept, while others scrolled through their phones for updates.
It was unclear if people remained trapped on the vessel, which now lies on the seabed at a depth of more than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Officials said divers from Turkey were assisting the search. They gave slightly different numbers for the missing, with some saying 19 and others 18.
The ferry ran into trouble shortly after leaving Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Taşucu in Mersin province, one of several daily sea shuttles linking Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus with mainland Turkey.
Separate accounts said the wide-bodied vessel jolted violently before slamming onto the sea surface, with part of its bow bursting open on impact.
Authorities have detained the captain and crew for questioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs regarding the ferry capsizing incident off the coast of northern Cyprus
General Questions
1 What exactly happened with the ferry
A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus Search and rescue operations are underway and nearly 20 people are still unaccounted for
2 Where exactly did the ferry capsize
The incident occurred off the coast of northern Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea Specific coordinates are often withheld during rescue operations to prevent unapproved boats from interfering
3 How many people were on board
The exact number is still being confirmed but reports indicate there were dozens of passengers The focus is currently on the nearly 20 people who remain missing
4 Do we know what caused the ferry to capsize
The official cause is still under investigation However early reports suggest that rough seas and potential overloading are being looked at as contributing factors
5 Are the missing people tourists or locals
It is believed to be a mixed group The ferry was likely operating a route that serves both locals and tourists so nationalities are still being verified
Rescue and Safety Questions
6 What is being done to find the missing people
A largescale search and rescue operation is underway involving the coast guard military vessels and aircraft They are scouring the area where the ferry went down
7 How long can someone survive in the water in this situation
It depends on the water temperature In the Mediterranean at this time of year survival time is limited by hypothermia and exhaustion usually ranging from a few hours to just over a day This makes the search timecritical
8 Were there enough life jackets on board
This is a key part of the investigation Often in these incidents it is found that life jackets were either insufficient stored improperly or passengers didnt have time to put them on
9 Why is it taking so long to find the missing people
Search efforts are complicated by strong currents high winds and the fact that the ferry may have sunk to a depth that makes underwater recovery difficult The search area also expands over time due to drifting
10 What should I do if I think a family member was on that ferry
You should contact your local embassy or consulate or the official emergency hotline set up by the Cypriot
