The death toll from a ferry accident off the coast of northern Cyprus has risen to 10, with 18 people still missing. The FiloJet ferry was carrying 267 passengers when it capsized on Sunday afternoon shortly after departing from Kyrenia port.
Rescuers saved 239 people from the vessel. The 10 individuals confirmed deceased are all Turkish nationals. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced the recovery of the tenth body on Thursday, stating that "The number of those who have died has risen to 10."
Northern Cyprus's Prime Minister Unal Ustel indicated on Thursday that it is believed the missing passengers went down with the ship, which now lies at a depth of 514 meters (approximately 1,686 feet). Two specialist Turkish naval vessels equipped with underwater drones have been working around the clock since Wednesday morning in an effort to locate the remaining victims.
Prior to the most recent recovery, officials reported that the initial eight deceased were Turkish nationals, along with 18 of the 20 missing individuals. The remaining two missing were from northern Cyprus. The nationalities of the two bodies recovered in the past 24 hours were not immediately clarified.
Disturbing footage captured inside the vessel shows passengers attempting to evacuate as the ferry took on water and flipped. Survivors were seen in the choppy sea near the partially submerged ferry, some clinging to each other while others assisted in pulling people from the ship. Rescue helicopters were also observed overhead.
Investigators have not yet retrieved the ferry's voyage data recorder, often referred to as its "black box," which could provide critical information about the cause of the capsizing.
During a court appearance in Kyrenia, the ferry's first officer reportedly stated that the captain delayed returning to port as the vessel began taking on water. Survivors have also alleged that the captain, 66-year-old Mustafa Oz, abandoned ship as it capsized.
A Turkish survivor, Sadik Saribuga, recounted to the Anadolu state news agency that the ferry started to sway and take on water about 15-20 minutes into the journey. He stated that passengers urged the crew to turn back, but were told, "This happens all the time, nothing will happen." When the situation worsened, he explained, "they tried to turn around and that's when the ship capsized." He and other passengers reportedly escaped to the upper deck by breaking a window.
The captain and eight others were remanded in custody following a court hearing in Girne on Monday. At a subsequent hearing on Thursday, investigators presented evidence suggesting the catastrophe could have been averted if the captain had reduced speed and carefully returned to port when the ferry began taking on water. The court ordered the nine individuals, facing charges of negligent homicide, to remain in custody for an additional eight days.
Crew members have reportedly informed investigators that the ferry's "bow section broke off," and technical examinations are underway to determine the precise cause of the sinking. Investigators are also reviewing the ship's technical condition prior to its departure, as well as its navigation and safety permits, though initial findings suggest it possessed the necessary approvals.