Ferry capsizes in Northern Cyprus, 8 dead and 17 missing

A ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Northern Cyprus on Sunday, resulting in 8 deaths and 17 people missing, it has been learned. As rescue operations began, Cypriot authorities detained the captain and seven crew members for questioning. The ferry, named FILOJET, was en route from Kyrenia to Tashucu, Turkey, when water began to flood the vessel approximately 4 nautical miles off the coast of Kyrenia. According to video footage, individuals wearing red life jackets were seen sitting on the hull of the capsized ferry, awaiting rescue assistance from the coast guard and private boats. In the afternoon, the ferry sank to the seabed at a depth of over 1,600 feet (514 meters). It is understood that this ferry operated on a regular route connecting Northern Cyprus and Turkey. Tufan Ahmet, the Turkish Cypriot leader, stated that rescuing anyone trapped inside the vessel would not be easy and that efforts were being made to assist using other technologies. He further added that although strong winds had been present in Cyprus since Saturday, the weather on Sunday was considered suitable for travel, and everyone was shocked as such an incident had never occurred before. Turkish President Erdoğan sent a message of condolence to the families of the deceased and stated that search operations for the missing were continuing non-stop.