Divers have joined search teams scouring the deep waters off the northern coast of Cyprus in hopes of finding survivors after a ferry sank on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals. Reports indicate that nearly 20 people are still unaccounted for following the disaster.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that there were no Romanian passengers aboard the ferry.
The vessel, carrying 267 people, began taking on water and capsized near the port city of Kyrenia, leaving survivors clinging to the ship’s overturned hull. They were rescued by passing ships and coast guard authorities.
“We’ve been waiting for news for 12 hours or even longer,” said Naif Ezer, one of those anxiously awaiting information about passengers at the port on Monday morning. Among his three friends traveling home to see their families, one had been found, but the other two remained missing.
Some of the waiting relatives stood in silence, weeping, while others searched their mobile phones for any new updates.
Many Unknowns Surround Ferry Sinking Off Cyprus
It remains unclear whether there are bodies to recover inside the vessel, which now lies at a depth of over 500 meters on the seabed. Officials noted that divers from Turkey were participating in the search operation, with varying estimates from authorities regarding the number of missing individuals; some claim 19 are unaccounted for, while others state the figure is 18.
The ferry encountered difficulties shortly after departing from Kyrenia, heading towards Taşucu, a port in Turkey’s Mersin province. This route was one of many daily maritime connections between Northern Cyprus, a self-proclaimed state recognized only by Ankara, and Turkey.
According to separate reports, the large vessel shook violently before part of its bow broke off after crashing heavily against the waves. The authorities have detained the captain and other crew members for questioning.
