Üstel: Captain and seven others detained over ferry disaster off Girne

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that an investigation had been launched into the disaster involving the Filo Jet passenger ferry off Girne: the vessel’s captain and seven others have been detained.

The vessel belongs to Filo Denizcilik. It began taking on water and capsized in the afternoon of 30 August several miles off the coast of Girne, with 267 people on board. Üstel called the incident the largest maritime disaster in the history of Cyprus.

According to the prime minister, the investigation began immediately after the disaster. Üstel said that the incident would be examined from every angle and that, if even the slightest negligence were identified, all those involved would be held responsible, regardless of their positions.

In the first hours, four coast guard boats, two helicopters, a patrol ship and an assault boat belonging to the Turkish forces on the island, police and Civil Defence diving teams, as well as four rescue boats, joined the rescue operation.

Two aircraft, four helicopters, four drones and four coast guard boats are currently operating in the area of the disaster. A Turkish Navy rescue vessel capable of conducting searches at depths of up to 1,000 metres and reaching the sunken ferry will join the operation shortly. Üstel noted that search and rescue efforts would continue without interruption until all those missing were found.