Death toll in Kyrenia Ferry Disaster Rises to 10, 18 People Still Missing

The dead body of another person was found in the ferry disaster that occurred in Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Thus, while the number of people who lost their lives in the accident increased to 10, the search for the missing 18 people continues.

After his meeting with TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz announced that the body of one of the 19 missing people was found.

Sharing the current developments regarding search and rescue activities, Yılmaz said:

"We have learned that the body of one more person has been found and taken up. After the identification is made, it will be shared with the public whose body has been found. I would like to express that the number of those who died has increased to 10. As a result of the intense work done, it has been understood that other bodies will be found. The relevant institutions will share the developments with the public when the work is completed meticulously. However, I can say today that progress has been made. I would like to express my gratitude to our Naval Forces Commander and all the officials who contributed. "We have learned that 131 of our passengers who were rescued alive have been treated and discharged. Currently, there are only 2 patients in hospitals. One of them was in intensive care, but the information we have received as of now is that both of our patients are not in a life-threatening situation."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Search and rescue efforts to find those missing on the passenger ferry named Filo Jet, which capsized and sank while sailing from Kyrenia to Taşucu Port in Mersin, 31 Agosto, continue on the fifth day.

TRNC Presidency announced yesterday that the wreckage of the ferry had been reached. Hours after the wreckage was found, the lifeless body of a man believed to be around 50 years old was found.

It was announced that DNA samples would be taken from the relatives of the missing in order to identify the body.

In the disaster, which was recorded as one of the biggest maritime accidents in the history of TRNC, the dead bodies of eight people were found before the wreckage was reached. With the last two findings, the number of people who lost their lives increased to 10.

Search and rescue teams continue to work in the region to reach the 18 missing people.