Authorities in Northern Cyprus have detained the captain of a ferry that capsized, leaving at least eight people dead. Rescue teams continued searching on Monday for 20 passengers who remain missing after the accident.
The ferry was carrying 267 people when it overturned on Sunday. The vessel capsized about four nautical miles from shore shortly after departing from the port of Kyrenia.
According to officials, rescuers saved 239 passengers from the sea. However, eight people lost their lives, while search operations continued for those still missing.
Police Detain Captain and Crew Members
Police detained the ferry captain along with 15 other individuals following the incident. Subsequently, nine people appeared before a court in Kyrenia on charges related to negligent homicide.
The captain and crew told the court that powerful waves damaged the front section of the vessel. They claimed the force of the sea smashed part of the ferry before it overturned.
Authorities ordered the captain to remain in police custody while investigations continue. Meanwhile, Northern Cyprus began a three-day mourning period following the tragedy.
Officials reported that all eight victims were Turkish citizens. Furthermore, 18 of the 20 missing passengers are from Türkiye, while the remaining two are from Northern Cyprus.
Investigators Examine Ferry’s Black Box
President Tufan Erhurman said divers are attempting to recover data from the ferry’s black box. Investigators hope the information will help determine the exact cause of the accident.
Divers continued operations on Monday and planned to resume efforts the following day. Additionally, authorities pledged to fully investigate every aspect of the incident.
Erhurman stressed that the ferry company would be held accountable if evidence revealed negligence. He added that officials expected to release more confirmed findings soon.
The tragedy has drawn international attention and sympathy. United Nations representative Khassim Diagne expressed sorrow over the loss of life and offered condolences to affected families.
Meanwhile, rescue teams remain focused on locating the missing passengers as search efforts continue off the Northern Cyprus coast.
