Cyprus Ferry Search Hunts for 20 Missing as Survivors Detail Panic on 267-Person Voyage
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 31
Cyprus Ferry Search Hunts for 20 Missing as Survivors Detail Panic on 267-Person Voyage
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 31
Summary
Rescuers searched Monday for 20 missing people after the Filo Jet capsized off northern Cyprus, with the confirmed death toll at eight and the missing count raised from 18.
Survivors said the ferry began listing and taking on water after loud noises below deck; some said crew initially downplayed the leak, and panic at jammed exits left passengers trapped.
7.5 kilometers off the Cypriot coast, nearby boats pulled people from the sea, but rescuers said their vessels quickly filled beyond capacity as passengers fought to be taken aboard.
Eight crew members and a company director were detained on negligence-related charges, port officials who cleared the voyage were dismissed, and Filo Denizcilik's operations were suspended.
500-meter-deep waters are hampering inspection of the wreck, prompting plans to bring a remotely operated submarine from Turkey as authorities call it Cyprus' worst maritime disaster.