**Rescuers Search for 18 Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus**
**Girne, Northern Cyprus –** A major search operation is underway following the tragic capsizing of a ferry off the coast of Northern Cyprus, which has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and left 18 others missing. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon shortly after the ferry departed from the northern port city of Girne, also known as Kyrenia, en route to the Turkish port of Tasucu in Mersin province.
Local authorities reported that the ferry was carrying 267 passengers and crew at the time of the accident. Of those, 241 were successfully rescued, while the eight fatalities have sparked a national outpouring of grief. The identities of the missing individuals have not yet been disclosed.
The captain of the ferry, along with eight crew members, was brought before a judge and formally arrested on Monday as the region entered three days of national mourning, according to the official state news agency of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Investigators are currently probing the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, with an emphasis on recovering the vessel's "black box" data recorder to determine the cause of the incident.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors shed light on the chaotic moments leading up to the capsizing. Passengers reported that the ferry began taking on water before it overturned, with some claiming to have heard an explosion at the front of the boat. Survivors described a desperate struggle for survival, with many forced to jump into the sea without life jackets or lifebuoys. One survivor, Efe Multici, recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “It was literally a fight for survival.”
Another survivor, Serkan Kunduraci, shared a chilling account of witnessing children and others drowning as he escaped through a broken window. “I saw some who didn’t know how to swim die in the sea,” he told the DHA news agency. His testimony highlights the tragic loss of life, particularly among vulnerable individuals, including young children.
Rescue efforts were initiated promptly, with local water sports operator Muhammed Ozcelik among the first responders on the scene. He described the overwhelming situation, stating, “We tried to do more than we could. People were saying, ‘Take me too, take me too,’ but the capacity was full.” The swift response of rescuers has been crucial in saving many lives, but the ongoing search for the missing continues to weigh heavily on the community.
As the search and recovery operations persist, divers from Turkiye are assisting local authorities in their efforts. The ferry, now lying on the seabed at a depth of over 500 meters (1,640 feet), poses additional challenges for recovery teams as they work to locate any remaining individuals.
The incident has raised questions about maritime safety and regulations in the region, particularly regarding the adequacy of safety equipment on board the ferry. As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to examine the ferry's compliance with safety standards and protocols.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Northern Cyprus, a region that has been politically divided since 1974 when Turkish Cypriots declared independence from Greek control in 1983. The area remains recognized only by Turkiye, which maintains a military presence of over 35,000 troops.
As families await news of their loved ones, the community is grappling with the impact of this disaster. The search for the missing individuals is ongoing, and the hope for their safe return remains a priority for rescuers and the families affected by this tragic event.