Ferry disaster off Cyprus: Captain arrested, eight dead, 18 missing
The captain of the capsized catamaran "Filo Jet" has been arrested – he is suspected of fleeing the vessel before the disaster. Eight people died, with 18 still missing.
Catamaran "Filo Jet" sinks off northern Cyprus – captain and crew under serious suspicion
Following the capsizing of the ferry "Filo Jet" off the coast of northern Cyprus, police arrested the captain and seven crew members on Sunday evening. This is reported by WELT citing Cypriot authorities. At least eight people died in the disaster, with search operations continuing through the night for 18 missing persons.
The catamaran set out on Sunday midday shortly after departing from Kyrenia harbour in the north of the Mediterranean island, heading towards the southern Turkish city of Mersin, when water began entering the vessel for reasons still unclear. The ship filled with water, tilted to one side and eventually sank a few kilometres off the coast. Around 260 passengers and 8 crew members were aboard; most were rescued.
Survivors have levelled serious accusations against the crew. Turkish-Cypriot Transport Minister Erhan Arikli told the state Turkish news agency Anadolu that some of the rescued passengers reported that doors and escape routes were locked during the disaster. Additionally, the captain is said to have abandoned the ship as the catastrophe unfolded. Arikli assured that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated.
Dramatic scenes played out during the rescue operation: people in life jackets clung to the part of the stricken ferry remaining above water, whilst a helicopter circled overhead. Eyewitnesses described chaotic conditions on board – passengers on the lower deck of the two-storey vessel reportedly attempted to break windows in panic in order to reach the outside.
In addition to police investigations, a separate inquiry into the disaster is being initiated. All findings regarding operating licence, seaworthiness and safety measures on board will subsequently be made public, Arikli announced.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel promised a thorough investigation. "Even the slightest negligence will come to light," said the head of government of the Turkish-recognised-only Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Investigators are placing great hopes on the recovery of the ship's data recorder, which lies on the seabed at approximately 500 metres depth. It could provide information about the exact sequence of events in the disaster, according to Transport Minister Arikli in comments to broadcaster BRT. According to his statements, the ferry had undergone an inspection approximately two months prior.
Source: WELT