Ferry sinks off northern Cyprus coast, at least eight dead and dozens missing

The high-speed passenger ferry capsized after departing Kyrenia for Tasucu, Turkey, leaving eight confirmed dead, dozens missing and survivors treated in hospitals, officials said. Authorities arrested the captain, seven crew members and another man, and issued further warrants while recovery teams searched for 18 passengers still unaccounted for.

The privately owned 40m Filo Jet vessel left Kyrenia at about 12:30 local time and began taking on water after reportedly being hit by two waves, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said. The ferry later sank and now lies at a depth of 514 metres, with debris including luggage and a sheet of steel visible on the surface.

Rescue teams continued searching from sea and shore while hospitals in northern Cyprus treated 19 people. Officials said the ship carried 259 passengers and eight crew; authorities are attempting to recover the vessel’s black box recorder to determine the sequence of events.

Relatives of the missing gathered at Kyrenia port, among them Ayten Bicer and her husband Hayri, who await news of their two children reported missing after the vessel overturned. Survivors described chaotic scenes as people clung to the overturned ferry and some were swept away amid oil-covered surfaces.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The available statements and facts indicate the ferry departed Kyrenia in rough conditions, was struck by two waves according to the prime minister, began taking on water and subsequently sank to 514 metres. Official actions include arrests of the captain and crew members, medical treatment for 19 people in hospitals, and ongoing recovery and investigation efforts including retrieval of the black box recorder.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Ferry capsized after leaving Kyrenia en route to Tasucu, Turkey; vessel now submerged at 514 metres.
• Eight people confirmed dead, 18 passengers still missing, 19 treated in hospitals.
• Captain, seven crew members and another man arrested; further warrants issued and black box recovery attempted.