A search and rescue operation is ongoing off the coast of northern Cyprus following the sinking of a passenger ferry on Sunday. The vessel, which was traveling from the resort town of Kyrenia to Tasucu, Turkey, capsized in rough seas, resulting in eight confirmed fatalities and leaving 20 individuals missing.
The ferry, a 40-meter vessel operated by Filo Denizcilik, was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members. According to local officials, the ship had been delayed from its original Saturday departure due to severe weather. Witnesses and authorities reported that the vessel encountered heavy waves, with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stating that the ship was struck by two consecutive waves, causing it to take on water before sinking to a depth of approximately 514 meters.
Among the survivors are Ayten and Hayri Bicer, who reported losing their two children during the incident. The couple described the chaotic conditions on board, noting that the vessel's surfaces were coated in engine oil, which hindered rescue efforts. Nineteen survivors are currently receiving medical treatment in northern Cyprus.
Authorities have initiated a legal response, formally arresting eight crew members, including the captain, and one other individual. These detainees will be held for three days as investigations proceed. Officials are also working to recover the ship's black box to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
A three-day period of national mourning has been declared in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Additional support for the search effort is expected to arrive from Turkey on Tuesday.
Source: BBC News
មិនទាន់មានមតិយោបល់នៅឡើយទេ។ សូមធ្វើជាអ្នកដំបូងដែលចែករំលែកគំនិតរបស់អ្នក។