Rescuers hunt for missing after deadly Northern Cyprus ferry accident

A ferry capsized off Northern Cyprus on Sunday, leaving eight dead and 18 others missing, according to local authorities. The ferry departed from the northern port of Girne bound for the Turkish mainland, with a total of 267 people on board. Rescue operations were ongoing on Monday, with 241 survivors being rescued from the water.

The incident occurred shortly after the vessel left the port, sparking a major search and rescue effort. Early reports suggested that passengers had heard a blast prior to the capsizing, leading to the detention of the captain and over a dozen others. The captain and eight others were subsequently brought before a judge and placed under formal arrest, marking the beginning of a three-day period of national mourning in Northern Cyprus.

Footage from the scene showed the capsized ferry, with passengers wearing life jackets atop its orange hull before it completely sank at a depth of 514 meters. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, including jumping into the water without life jackets or lifebuoys. The investigation into the cause of the tragedy, including the recovery of the black box from the submerged vessel, is expected to provide further insight into the events that led to this catastrophic accident.