Ferry sinks off the coast of Cyprus, leaving 8 dead and 18 missing; crew members detained

At least eight people have died and another 18 are missing after a passenger ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Cyprus yesterday.

According to authorities, the ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water shortly after departing from the coastal city of Kyrenia on Sunday at around 12:30 p.m. local time.

The ship’s captain and the seven crew members have been detained by authorities, while an investigation has been launched to determine the causes and circumstances of the tragedy.

Most of those on board have been rescued, while a large-scale search-and-rescue operation, in cooperation with Turkish authorities, is continuing in the area where the incident occurred.

Helicopters and coast guard vessels have been sent to the scene, while ambulances have been positioned on the shore to receive those rescued.

Authorities are also attempting to recover the ship’s data recorder, known as the “black box,” in the hope that it will help shed light on the causes of the accident.