Emergency teams continued search efforts Monday for approximately 20 people still missing after a passenger ferry capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus, a disaster that has claimed at least eight lives.

The vessel, traveling from Kyrenia to the Turkish port of Tasucu, began taking on water shortly after its departure Sunday. Survivors were rescued from the water and the overturned vessel by responding coast guard crews and nearby ships.

Moment of Terror

Among those missing are siblings Miray Bicer, 12, and Mehmet Asaf Bicer, 6, who were visiting Cyprus with their family. Their mother, Ayten Bicer, described the harrowing experience of losing her grip on her daughter as the ferry overturned.

"She was saying, 'Don't let go,'" Bicer told Reuters. "And I didn't let go of my daughter. I swear, I didn't let her go."

A suitcase falling during the chaos caused Bicer to lose her hold on her daughter. She managed to grab the child's foot, but noted that oil from the vessel made the surface slippery, and her daughter slipped away.

Search Efforts Complicated

Officials confirmed Monday that 20 people remained unaccounted for after cross-referencing passenger records with the list of survivors. The search has been complicated by the wreckage's location in waters more than 1,600 feet deep.

A ship from Turkey equipped for seabed work was expected to arrive Tuesday to aid in the operation. It remains unclear if anyone is trapped inside the sunken ferry.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the sinking. Nine individuals connected to the ferry's operations have been detained as part of the inquiry. Officials stated the vessel possessed a valid seaworthiness certificate.

Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the weather conditions at the time of the incident. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel stated that the ferry encountered adverse weather and began taking on water approximately 15 minutes after departure. However, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman indicated that weather conditions "were not bad" and cautioned against premature speculation.

The internationally recognized government of Cyprus has offered assistance with the search and rescue operation.