ISTANBUL: A tragic ferry accident near Cyprus has claimed more lives, with officials confirming that the death toll has now reached 13. Meanwhile, 15 individuals are still unaccounted for.
The FiloJet ferry, which had 267 passengers on board, capsized shortly after its departure from Kyrenia, a port located on the northern side of the divided island, around midday last Sunday.
Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly around the clock since the tragic event occurred. Authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a region recognized only by Turkey, confirmed the latest recovery, raising the confirmed death count to 13.
“We have recovered another body, which means the number of fatalities has increased to 13, while 15 people remain missing,” stated TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel.
Additionally, rescuers have located the sunken ferry at a depth of 554 meters (1,818 feet) off the coast of Kyrenia, as efforts continue to find those who are still missing.
