Published 3 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
North Cypriot Leader Says 2 More Bodies Were Recovered From Ferry Wreckage
Search teams continue working 24/7 as Turkish Cypriot officials say 16 people remain missing and bodies are being sent for identification.
On Sunday, the Filo Jet capsized off Kyrenia with 267 passengers and crew aboard. Prime Minister Unal Ustel confirmed Friday that two more bodies have been recovered, bringing confirmed deaths to 12, while 16 people remain missing.
Survivors reported the vessel began listing and taking on water after hearing loud noises from below decks, with passengers trapped inside as the ship lurched onto its side while bound for Tasucu, Turkey.
Two Turkish navy vessels are conducting search operations 24/7, deploying submersible equipment to reach the wreckage 550 meters below the surface. Ustel stated efforts continue "under very difficult conditions."
Following the disaster, authorities have taken Eight crew members and a director of ferry operator Filo Denizcilik into custody. Five others, including company staff and port officials, are also under investigation.
The sinking occurred off Cyprus, an island divided along ethnic lines since 1974. Only Turkey recognizes the north, where it maintains more than 35,000 troops and significant regional influence.
The remains of two new victims of the shipwreck on Sunday of a ferry off the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (RTCN) were found, bringing the total to 12 dead and 16 missing, said the authorities on Friday. ...