Cyprus ferry death toll rises to 10 as rescuers recover another body – but 18 people remain missing
The death toll from the FiloJet ferry disaster off northern Cyprus has risen to 10, with 18 people still missing, five days after the vessel capsized shortly after leaving Kyrenia port. The ferry, carrying 267 people, overturned in rough seas on Sunday; 239 passengers were rescued, but officials now believe the remaining missing went down with the ship, which lies at a depth of 514 metres. The tragedy has prompted a criminal investigation, with the captain and crew facing court proceedings over claims they delayed turning back despite passengers raising the alarm.
Turkey's vice president Cevdet Yilmaz confirmed the tenth body had been recovered, warning more may follow as two Turkish naval vessels with underwater drones continue the search. Survivors say captain Mustafa Oz, 66, dismissed early warnings that the ferry was taking on water before it eventually capsized, and allege he abandoned ship, while the first officer told a court the captain had delayed returning to port. The captain and eight others were remanded in custody on Monday, with a second hearing held on Thursday, and investigators have yet to recover the ferry's black box to determine the exact cause.
- Cyprus ferry death toll rises to 10; 18 still missing
- Ferry capsized off Kyrenia with 267 aboard; 239 rescued
- Captain and crew in custody amid claims of delayed response