Cyprus ferry sinking: Death toll rises to 12 as search continues

The confirmed death toll from the passenger ferry disaster off the coast of northern Cyprus has risen to 12, following the recovery of two more bodies from the wreckage. Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the remains of two women were recovered, bringing the total to 12 confirmed deaths. Sixteen people remain missing.

Search and rescue operations are continuing around the clock, approximately 7.5 kilometers off the northern Cypriot coast, where the ferry, the Filo Jet, sank. The vessel went down on Sunday afternoon shortly after departing Kyrenia, a port in northern Cyprus, bound for Tasucu, Turkey. The ferry was carrying 267 passengers and crew at the time of the incident.

Two Turkish navy vessels equipped with submersibles capable of reaching the wreckage at a depth of about 550 meters have joined the search effort. Ustel noted that operations are being conducted under very difficult conditions, with strong support from Turkey.

Survivors have reported that the wide-bodied catamaran began listing and taking on water after loud noises were heard from below the decks. Panic ensued as water rushed into the passenger seating area and the ship lurched onto its side, trapping some people inside.

In connection with the disaster, eight crew members and a director of the ferry's owner, Filo Denizcilik, have been taken into custody. Five others, including company staff and port officials, are also under investigation.

Cyprus has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared independence in 1983, but it is recognized only by Turkey, which maintains a significant military presence on the island.