Ferry disaster in Cyprus. “We’ve never seen anything like this before.”

For many people looking for rest, it was supposed to be a relaxing adventure, but it turned out to be a scene from a horror movie. The disaster occurred in Northern Cyprus last Sunday, August 30. The ship, which was heading towards the Turkish port of Tasucu, suddenly capsized. There were about 260 people on board at that time. It is already known that not everyone survived. Some remain missing.

Tragedy on a passenger ferry

The tragedy was confirmed by the Minister of Transport of the territory of Northern Cyprus, Erhan Arıklı. He reported that the ferry completely sank at a depth of 514 meters. The media report eight deaths and 18 people who have not been found. At the same time, 237 people were saved. The search in the waters of the island country is still ongoing. Those who survived were safely evacuated to shore and taken to hospitals, while others may still need help.

“Search and rescue teams are working very hard to find them,” said Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. However, he stressed that if someone is still on board the ferry, reaching them is not easy at this time. The activities will be supported by, among others: modern equipment.

According to the mayor of northern Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı, the disaster is the worst in this place in 40 years. “We have never seen anything like this before,” he commented in an interview with theguardian.com.

Footage showing the moment of the rescue operation has appeared online.

It was supposed to be a traditional cruise

A ferry belonging to the Filo Denizcilik company, resembling a catamaran, capsized in Cyprus waters. It set out from the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, located in the north of divided Cyprus. It was scheduled to reach the port of Taşucu in Mersin Province, Turkey. Problems arose off the coast of Diana, where the ship, hit by waves, began to take on water.

Boarding tourists and locals took advantage of the popular tour to get to the vacation spot. The connection they chose runs there regularly several times a day and connects both places.

The ship’s captain and seven crew members were detained as part of the investigation. The causes of the tragedy will be determined.