Cyprus ferry sinking: Survivors recount panic as vessel went down

Survivors of a ferry disaster off the coast of northern Cyprus have described scenes of terror and panic as the vessel capsized on Sunday, leaving eight people dead and 18 missing. The ship was carrying 267 passengers and crew when it went down shortly after leaving the port of Kyrenia, also known as Girne, bound for Tasucu in Turkey.

Serkan Kunduraci, who escaped by pulling himself through a broken window, said he witnessed children and other passengers drowning roughly 7.5 kilometers from the Cypriot coast. "I saw some who didn't know how to swim die in the sea," he said. "There were those who, in a panic, didn't grab life jackets. Some jumped immediately out of fear." He described an elderly man who could not be saved despite attempts to pull him aboard.

Passengers reported hearing loud noises from below decks before the ferry began listing and taking on water. Kunduraci said crew members initially assured them there was only a minor leak from a loose gasket. When the evacuation order came, panic had already set in. "There was so much screaming and so many people were trapped behind," he recalled, describing bodies piled on top of one another in the rear of the ship.

Another survivor, Deniz Ozpolat, said a crush of people formed at the exits and life jackets were hard to find. "They shut the doors on us and we couldn't get out," he said. "They opened them later. We jumped into the water." Rescuers, including Muhammed Ozcelik who runs a water sports company, said their boats were overwhelmed by people fighting for their lives.

Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel said an investigation has been launched and the ferry's eight crew members have been taken into custody. "Every aspect of this incident will be investigated," he said, adding that even the slightest negligence would be uncovered. Turkish coast guard and military units are assisting rescue efforts. The incident is being described as the worst maritime disaster in Cypriot history.