Survivors of Cypriot ferry disaster describe terror and panic aboard sinking ship

Istanbul (AP) — Survivors of a ferry disaster off the coast of northern Cyprus recounted the terror and panic they experienced as the ship capsized, killing eight people. On Monday, passengers described the moments leading up to the accident and the desperate struggle to escape the sinking vessel. Serkan Kunduraci escaped the ferry by squeezing through a broken window, witnessing children drowning in the water.

He recounted how the crew initially claimed there was only a minor issue before the ferry began to tilt and take on water. Deniz Ozpolat also spoke of the chaos onboard, with people unable to find life jackets and doors being shut in their faces as the vessel began to sink. Rescuers like Muhammed Ozcelik rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the water despite the limited capacity of their boats.

The Turkish coast guard and military joined rescue efforts, describing the incident as the worst maritime disaster in Cypriot history. Unal Ustel, the prime minister of northern Cyprus, pledged a thorough investigation into the incident, vowing that those found responsible for any negligence would face consequences.