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Rescuers are tirelessly searching for 18 missing passengers following the tragic capsizing of a ferry off the coast of northern Cyprus. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has left a profound impact on the local community and the families of those involved.
The ferry, which was en route from Kyrenia in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the Turkish town of Tasucu, suddenly began taking on water shortly after departure. The vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, was unable to withstand the damage and eventually sank to a depth of 514 meters (1,686 feet).
Eight people have been confirmed dead in the disaster, while 19 survivors are receiving medical treatment in hospitals in northern Cyprus. The captain of the ferry, along with seven crew members and another man, were arrested on Monday, and warrants have been issued for seven more individuals.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel of the TRNC declared a three-day period of national mourning. The privately-owned ferry, a high-speed 40-meter long, 10-meter wide Filo Jet vessel, was sailing under the flag of Turkey. Filo Denizcilik, the company operating the ferry, expressed deep sadness over the tragic accident.
Survivors and family members are grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Among the missing are Ayten Bicer's two children, her 12-year-old daughter Miray and six-year-old son Mehmet Asaf. Bicer recounted a harrowing tale of survival, describing how she held onto her daughter as the boat capsized, only to lose her grip when a suitcase fell on top of them.
The TRNC, which controls the northern third of the island of Cyprus and is recognized only by Turkey, has been dealing with the aftermath of the incident. The ferry's route, which spans the eastern Mediterranean, has been a focal point for authorities as they attempt to piece together what caused the vessel to sink.
The privately-owned ferry left Kyrenia, a popular holiday resort, at approximately 12:30 local time on Sunday. Its journey was initially scheduled for Saturday but was delayed due to poor weather conditions. Prime Minister Üstel told local media that the ferry was struck by two waves before it capsized, with the second wave causing it to begin taking on water.
As the search for the missing continues, authorities are also working to recover the ferry's black box recorder to determine the exact cause of the incident. The vessel's debris remains scattered across the water, including a black wheelie suitcase and a sheet of steel that appeared to have broken away from the ferry.
The capsizing of the ferry has once again highlighted the importance of safety measures and preparedness in the maritime industry. As the search for the missing passengers intensifies, the world watches and waits for news of their fate.
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