At least eight people have died and nearly 20 remain missing after a passenger ferry carrying 267 people capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation.
.webp "Cyprus Ferry Disaster: At Least Eight Dead as Search for Missing Passengers Continues")
The ferry, which had departed from Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Taşucu, began taking on water shortly after leaving the port before overturning in the Mediterranean. Survivors were seen clinging to the overturned vessel as coastguard teams and passing boats rushed to the scene.
Rescuers have brought hundreds of passengers to safety, while helicopters, coastguard vessels and specialist teams continue searching the surrounding waters for those still unaccounted for. The ferry eventually sank to a depth of about 514 metres, making efforts to reach anyone potentially trapped inside extremely difficult.
Authorities have detained the captain and seven crew members as investigators work to establish what caused the vessel to take on water and capsize. Survivors have described chaotic scenes aboard the ferry, while officials have urged against speculation until the investigation is completed.
Families have gathered at the port anxiously waiting for information about relatives who remain missing, as rescue teams continue their search despite the challenging conditions.
The tragedy has shocked Cyprus and Turkey, with authorities promising a full investigation while rescuers race against time to locate the missing passengers and bring answers to their families.