Rescuers are continuing their search for 18 passengers after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday. The vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, began taking on water shortly after departing the coastal town of Kyrenia.
Authorities have confirmed that eight people died in the incident, and 19 are receiving hospital treatment in northern Cyprus. The ship has completely sunk and is now at a depth of approximately 1,686 feet. Debris, including a suitcase and a steel sheet, remains scattered on the water's surface.
The privately owned ferry had departed Kyrenia at about 12:30 local time, bound for Tasucu, Turkey. Its journey had been scheduled for Saturday but was delayed due to poor weather conditions.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a territory recognized only by Turkey, announced a three-day period of national mourning. Local authorities stated that the boat was hit by two waves before capsizing. According to Üstel, the captain attempted to recover from the first wave, but a second wave caused the vessel to take on water.
The captain, seven crew members, and another individual were arrested on Monday. Warrants have also been issued for seven other people. Officials are attempting to recover the ferry's black box recorder to determine the cause of the incident.