Ayten Bicer describes the struggle to save her daughter as a ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus, killing at least eight people
A ferry carrying 267 people from northern Cyprus to Turkey capsized on Sunday, leaving at least eight people dead and approximately 20 people missing. The vessel, a high-speed Filo Jet, began taking on water roughly 15 minutes after departing from the port of Kyrenia. Ayten Bicer and her husband Hayri Bicer survived the disaster, but their two children were lost. Ayten Bicer described how she held onto her daughter, Miray Bicer, until a suitcase fell on her, causing the child to slip away in the slippery, oil-coated water. Prime Minister Ãœnal Ãœstel stated the vessel encountered adverse weather and was hit by two waves before sinking. The ferry is currently resting at a depth of over 1,600 feet. Authorities have detained nine people connected to the ferry's operations, including the ship's captain. Search and rescue efforts are being conducted by coast guard vessels and helicopters. A ship from Turkey is expected to arrive on Tuesday to assist with the search. The internationally recognized government of Cyprus has also offered to provide assistance.
Sources
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Mom loses grip on daughter as passenger ferry capsizes with 20 people still missing
Fox News
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'She slipped out of my hand' - children missing after ferry sinks off northern Cyprus
BBC
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CBS News
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At least 8 dead and more missing after ferry carrying hundreds capsizes off Cyprus’ northern coast
CNN