In brief
A passenger ferry departed Kyrenia late Sunday and capsized en route to Turkey, leaving eight dead and 18 missing. The vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew, sank 514 meters deep and is surrounded by debris. Rescue crews have recovered 19 injured and are combing the sea for survivors, with authorities working on the black box to uncover the cause. Families, including the Bicer family, await updates as search continues.
Rescuers are continuing a frantic search for 18 passengers after a ferry listed and capsized off the coast of Northern Cyprus. The high‑speed vessel, which had begun taking on water soon after leaving Kyrenia, sank to a depth of 514 metres and is dwarfed by scattered debris. Eight people have died, 19 are hospitalized, and the crew, along with seven other individuals, have been detained or are under investigation. Authorities have issued warrants for seven more and a three‑day mourning period has been declared by the Turkish‑controlled northern government.
Early footage showed helicopters and rescue vessels braving waves while survivors waited at the quay, clutching to life‑jackets and offering prayers. The ship, named Filo Jet and operated by Filo Denizcilik, was flagged to Turkey and was on its way to the Turkish port of Tasucu. In a grim exchange, the captain reported that two waves struck the vessel before it began taking on water, prompting the fatal overturning.
Families on the ground, especially that of Ayten Bicer, are anxious for the fate of her two children—12‑year‑old Miray and six‑year‑old Mehmet Asaf—who disappeared amid the chaos. Caught between a falling suitcase and oily currents, Bicer said she was unable to keep her daughter’s hand, while her husband, Hayri, remains beside her at the quay. The story of the tragedy develops as authorities grapple with the next steps in the investigation and the next wave of rescue operations.
Officials are awaiting the black box recorder to register what triggered the tragedy. Meanwhile, the rescue effort persists, hoping to pull survivors from the wreckage that remains scattered across the sea. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges and maritime safety in the region. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the search efforts and investigations.
