Key facts
- A Turkish submersible vessel joined the search for 20 missing people after a ferry disaster off Cyprus.
- The Filo Jet ferry capsized on Sunday, resulting in eight confirmed deaths and 241 rescues.
- The ferry sank in waters over 500 meters deep.
- The Turkish navy ship TCG Isin, equipped with a remotely operated submersible, is assisting in the operation.
- Eight crew members and a director of the ferry's owner are in custody as part of an investigation.
A Turkish submersible vessel joined the search Tuesday for 20 people missing for two days following a ferry disaster off the coast of Cyprus. Eight people died when the passenger ferry Filo Jet, carrying 267 passengers and crew, capsized and sank after leaving Kyrenia, a port in northern Cyprus, for Tasucu, Turkey, on Sunday afternoon.
The Turkish navy ship TCG Isin arrived at the site and began work to reach the ferry, which is lying in waters more than 500 meters deep. The Isin is a specialized search-and-rescue vessel equipped with a remotely operated submersible capable of descending up to 1,000 meters and recovering items with robotic arms. Fifteen specialist divers are aboard the Isin.
Three victims were buried in Turkey on Tuesday. Survivors described panic as the ferry began listing and taking on water after loud noises were heard from below decks, trapping people as the ship lurched onto its side. The ferry, a wide-bodied catamaran, was carrying many Turkish tourists returning from vacation.
Eight crew and a director of the ferry’s owner, Filo Denizcilik, are in custody. Five others, including Filo Denizcilik staff and port officials, are also under investigation.