Nearly 20 people are still missing after a ferry capsized off northern Cyprus, killing at least eight, as divers join search teams scouring deep waters for any survivors. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The double-hulled ferry with 267 people onboard took in water and flipped over on Sunday just off the port city of Kyrenia, leaving survivors clinging to the upturned hull. They were rescued by passing vessels and members of the coastguard.
Rescue efforts
Divers from Turkey are assisting the search, officials said. They gave differing estimates of the number of missing, with some saying 19 and others 18.
Naif Ezer, one of those waiting anxiously outside the port for news of passengers through the early hours of Monday, said: "We've been waiting since the morning, for 12 hours or maybe more." Of three friends travelling home to see their families, one had been found but the other two were still missing, he added.
Some of those waiting sat and wept, while others scrolled mobile phones for updates.
Vessel condition
It was unclear if people remained trapped on the vessel, now lying on the seabed at a depth of more than 500 metres (1,640ft).
The ferry ran into trouble shortly after leaving Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Taşucu in Mersin province, one of several daily sea shuttle links between Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus and mainland Turkey.
Investigation
Separate accounts said the wide-bodied vessel jolted violently before slamming on to the sea surface, with part of its bow bursting open on impact.
Authorities have detained the captain and crew of the vessel for questioning.