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

Rescuers and survivors recount the harrowing moments aboard a ferry that capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus, claiming eight lives. The ship, carrying 267 passengers and crew, left the breakaway Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus port of Kyrenia for the Turkish town of Tasucu on Sunday afternoon. Among those who escaped was Serkan Kunduraci, who recounted seeing children drown and an old man die as the vessel took on water following a series of loud noises below decks.

The crew initially dismissed the leak as minor, but panic ensued once evacuation orders were issued. As the ferry began to tilt and list, many were trapped, with some jumping into the sea out of fear.