The death toll from the capsizing of the FiloJet ferry off the coast of northern Cyprus has risen to 10, with 18 people still missing. The vessel was carrying 267 passengers when it overturned shortly after departing from Kyrenia port on Sunday. Rescuers have saved 239 individuals from the doomed ferry.
Turkey's vice president, Cevdet Yilmaz, announced the recovery of the tenth body during a visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stating that the number of fatalities had reached 10. Northern Cyprus's prime minister, Unal Ustel, indicated that the missing individuals are believed to have gone down with the ship, which lies at a depth of approximately 514 meters.
Specialist Turkish naval vessels equipped with underwater drones have been deployed to aid in the search for the remaining victims. All 10 individuals confirmed deceased are Turkish nationals. Prior to the latest recoveries, officials stated that 18 of the 20 missing were Turkish, with the remaining two from northern Cyprus. The nationalities of the two bodies recovered in the past 24 hours have not been clarified.
Footage from inside the ferry shows passengers attempting to escape as the vessel took on water and became battered by waves. Survivors were seen in the choppy sea, some clinging to each other and the partially submerged hull, while others attempted to assist people trapped inside.
Investigators have not yet retrieved the ferry's voyage data recorder, its "black box," which could provide crucial information about the cause of the capsizing. During a court appearance, the ferry's first officer reportedly stated that the captain delayed returning to port when the vessel began taking on water. Survivors have also claimed that the captain, Mustafa Oz, abandoned the ship as it capsized.
One Turkish survivor recounted that the ferry began to sway and take on water approximately 15 to 20 minutes into the journey. Passengers reportedly urged the crew to turn back, but were initially told that such issues were common and not serious. The situation worsened, leading the crew to attempt a turnaround, at which point the ship capsized. Survivors managed to exit onto the upper deck by breaking a window.
The captain and eight others were remanded in custody following a court appearance in Girne, facing charges of negligent homicide. Evidence presented by investigators suggests the catastrophe could have been avoided if the captain had reduced speed and carefully turned back to port when the ferry started taking on water. The court ordered all nine individuals to remain in custody for an additional eight days.
Crew members have reportedly informed investigators that the ferry's bow section broke off. Technical examinations are currently underway to determine the precise cause of the sinking. Investigators are also reviewing the vessel's technical condition prior to its voyage and its navigation and safety permits, with initial information suggesting it held the necessary approvals.