Search continues for 18 passengers after ferry capsized in northern Cyprus
A ferry carrying 267 people capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, resulting in at least eight deaths and 18 missing passengers. Authorities have arrested the captain and several crew members as rescue operations continue at the site of the sunken vessel.
Why it matters
This is a significant maritime disaster involving a high number of casualties and ongoing search efforts in a politically sensitive region.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, More than 24 hours after the disaster, rescuers search for those missing
Rescuers are continuing their search for 18 passengers of a ferry which capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday.
The vessel, which was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, began taking on water soon after departing the coastal town of Kyrenia in the self-proclaimed Turkish republic on Cyprus.
Eight people have been confirmed to have died in the incident, while 19 are currently being treated at hospitals in northern Cyprus, local authorities say.
The ship's captain, seven crew members, and another man were arrested on Monday, while warrants have been issued for a further seven people.
Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognised by Turkey, announced a three-day period of national mourning.
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