Ferry capsizes off Kyrenia, killing at least eight people

Kyrenia, Cyprus. At least eight people were killed and nearly 20 remained missing on Monday after a double-hulled ferry carrying 267 people took on water and capsized off Kyrenia on Sunday. Search teams continued looking for survivors in waters more than 500 metres deep.

Search for missing passengers

Among those missing were Miray Bicer, 12, and her six-year-old brother Mehmet Asaf.

Their mother, Ayten Bicer, said a suitcase fell on her daughter as the vessel overturned, forcing the girl from her grasp. She said she caught her daughter’s foot, but her shoes were coated in engine oil and slipped through her hands.

Outside Kyrenia port, relatives and others awaiting information sat silently or wept, while some checked their mobile phones for updates.

Ferry overturned in rough seas

The ferry capsized shortly after leaving the port city of Kyrenia, with survivors clinging to its overturned hull before being rescued by passing vessels and coastguard authorities.

Separate accounts said the vessel jolted violently before striking the sea surface, causing part of its bow to burst open. Severe storms hit Cyprus on Saturday, and the sea remained rough when the disaster occurred on Sunday.

Debris, including a black wheelie suitcase and a sheet of steel believed to have broken away from the ferry, remained scattered across the water on Monday.

Vessel on seabed

It was unclear whether any people remained trapped inside the ferry, which was lying on the seabed.

Footage posted on social media suggested that people were still trapped in one compartment when the vessel overturned.