Cyprus ferry disaster survivors saw 'panic' and children drown as vessel sank
Passengers wearing life jackets wait atop a capsized passenger vessel to be rescued off the coast of Girne(Image: DHA/DHA via AP)
TL;DR
- Survivors of a Cyprus ferry disaster described terrifying moments as the vessel capsized, resulting in eight deaths and 18 missing.
- One survivor witnessed young children drown and described panic among passengers unable to swim or find life jackets.
- Passengers were initially told a leak was not a major problem before the ferry began to list, causing panic and trapping some towards the rear.
- Desperate passengers rushed for exits, some finding doors shut, while others broke windows to escape into the water.
- Rescuers, including a water sports company, arrived quickly to pull survivors from the sea, exceeding capacity in their efforts.
- The ferry owner, Filo Denizcilik, had all eight crew members taken into custody as an investigation began.
- Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel vowed a thorough investigation into the incident, promising accountability for anyone found at fault.
- The disaster is described as the worst maritime incident in Cypriot history, with Turkish coast guard and military teams assisting the rescue.