Ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus, leaving at least eight dead and 20 missing

<p>A ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths and approximately 20 individuals reported missing as search efforts continued on Monday.</p><p>The ferry was en route from Kyrenia in northern Cyprus to the Turkish port of Tasucu when it began taking on water shortly after departing on Sunday, according to Reuters.</p><p>Survivors were rescued from the water and from the overturned ferry by nearby vessels and coast guard crews, as reported by Reuters.</p><p>Among those still missing as of Monday were siblings Miray Bicer, 12, and Mehmet Asaf Bicer, 6, who were visiting Cyprus with their family, according to the outlet.</p><p>Their mother, Ayten Bicer, recounted her struggle to hold onto her daughter as the vessel capsized. "She was saying, 'Don't let go,'" Bicer told Reuters. "And I didn't let go of my daughter. I swear, I didn't let her go."</p><p>A suitcase fell on Bicer during the chaos, causing her to lose her grip on the girl. She managed to grab her daughter's foot, but oil from the vessel made the area slippery, and the child slipped away.</p><p>Officials increased the number of individuals considered missing from 18 to 20 on Monday after reviewing passenger records against the list of survivors, according to Reuters.</p><p>The search has been complicated by the wreckage's location, which lies in water more than 1,600 feet deep.</p><p>Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman stated that a ship from Turkey equipped to assist with seabed operations was expected to arrive on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.</p><p>It remains unclear whether anyone is trapped inside the sunken ferry.</p><p>Authorities have begun investigating the potential causes of the vessel's sinking.</p><p>Nine individuals connected to the ferry's operations have been detained as part of the investigation, according to Reuters. Authorities confirmed that the vessel had a valid seaworthiness certificate.</p><p>Questions persist regarding the conditions at the time of the incident.</p><p>Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel indicated that the ferry encountered adverse weather and began taking on water approximately 15 minutes after departure, according to the Associated Press (AP).</p><p>However, Erhurman stated that weather conditions "were not bad" and cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the sinking, as reported by the outlet.</p><p>The internationally recognized government of Cyprus has also offered assistance with the search-and-rescue operation, according to AP.</p><p><i>Reuters and The Associated Press contributed reporting.</i></p>