A passenger ferry sank off the northern coast of Cyprus, resulting in multiple fatalities and ongoing search efforts for missing passengers. The vessel, a 40-meter Filo Jet, departed the coastal town of Kyrenia carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members. The incident occurred after the ship encountered severe weather conditions, with authorities indicating that two waves struck the vessel before it capsized and subsequently sank completely.
According to officials in the Turkish-administered northern region, the ferry was scheduled to travel to Turkey but had been delayed due to poor weather. The vessel began taking on water during its journey, leading to the emergency response. Initial reports indicated at least eight deaths, with more than a dozen individuals unaccounted for. Approximately 100 passengers were successfully brought to shore. The captain and seven crew members were detained as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Search and rescue operations were launched involving helicopters, coastguard boats, and Turkish authorities working in coordination with regional security forces. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that rescue efforts were continuing without interruption. Officials established a hotline to assist relatives of those aboard in obtaining information about passengers and the injured. The nationalities of those on board and the extent of injuries remained unclear at the time of reporting.
The operating company, Filo Denizcilik, expressed deep sadness regarding the accident. Authorities indicated a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine how the tragedy occurred, with assurances that any negligence would be identified regardless of those responsible.
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