hafiz-rahman
Rescue operations are ongoing in northern Cyprus as authorities grapple with the aftermath of a devastating ferry accident that has left 18 passengers unaccounted for. The incident occurred when the vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, began taking on water shortly after departing from Kyrenia, a coastal town in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The ferry, a high-speed 40-meter-long Filo Jet vessel, had been scheduled to travel to the Turkish town of Tasucu but was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Tragically, eight people have been confirmed dead, and 19 others are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in the region, according to local authorities.
The search for the missing passengers has been ongoing for over 24 hours, with rescuers combing the waters off the coast of Kyrenia. The ferry has now completely sunk to a depth of 514 meters (1,686 feet), and debris is scattered across the water's surface, including a black wheelie suitcase and a sheet of steel that appeared to have broken away from the vessel.
In a statement, the Prime Minister of the TRNC, Ünal Üstel, announced a three-day period of national mourning. The privately-owned ferry, which sails under the Turkish flag, was operated by Filo Denizcilik, the company expressed deep sadness over the tragic accident.
The TRNC, recognized only by Turkey, controls the northern third of the island of Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The ferry's captain, seven crew members, and another man have been arrested, with warrants issued for a further seven individuals.
Survivors and relatives of the missing are gathering at Kyrenia port, where they await news of their loved ones. Among the missing is a family of four, including two children, aged 12 and six. The mother, Ayten Bicer, recounted a harrowing tale of her struggle to hold onto her daughter as the boat capsized.
"We were trying to cling to the overturned boat, and I felt Miray slip out of my hands. She was saying, 'Don't let go'. And I didn't let go of my daughter. I swear, I didn't let her go," Bicer said.
The vessel's captain, who was trying to recover from the impact of the first wave, was reportedly caught off guard by a second wave that struck the ferry, causing it to begin taking on water. Authorities are currently attempting to recover the vessel's black box recorder to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The international community has expressed concern over the incident, with neighboring countries offering assistance in the search and recovery efforts. The tragedy has once again highlighted the need for stringent safety measures and oversight of maritime transportation in the region.
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