At least eight die, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off North Cyprus

At least eight people lost their lives and 18 remain missing after a ferry capsized off the coast of North Cyprus on Sunday, leaving survivors clinging to the overturned hull. The privately-owned ferry, carrying approximately 270 passengers and crew, departed from the port of Kyrenia at 12:30 p.m. local time (0930 GMT) and began taking on water for an unknown reason.

The vessel was bound for the Turkish port of Tasucu in the eastern Mediterranean. Witnesses reported the ferry moving erratically, with its final impact against the water's surface breaking the bow of the two-hulled ship, allowing water to pour in. Out of the 267 people on board, including an eight-person crew, 241 were rescued.

The disaster occurred near the popular holiday resort of Kyrenia, frequented by both locals and tourists alike. The ferry was one of several shuttle sea services linking North Cyprus, a self-declared Turkish Cypriot state unrecognized by most countries, with Turkey daily. The incident has caused shockwaves throughout the region.

Hours after the tragedy, relatives gathered outside a local hospital and the port gates in Kyrenia, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. Survivors recounted the ferry's violent movements, stating that it "lifted out of the water and slammed back down" several times before the bow burst open, letting water flood in.

Turkish Cypriot authorities detained the vessel's captain and seven crew members for questioning. By late afternoon, the ship had sunk, settling on the seabed at a depth of 514 meters (1,686 ft). Turkish divers were enlisted to assist in the search, as authorities vowed to continue rescue efforts until every person was accounted for.

Erhurman told journalists following a crisis management meeting, "Search and rescue efforts will continue until the very end, until all people are reached."

The ferry, named "FILOJET," was transporting 259 passengers and eight crew members. Four Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels and a civilian passenger boat, along with five Turkish coastguard vessels and two helicopters, were deployed to the scene.