Cyprus ferry tragedy death toll rises to 12

The death toll from a ferry tragedy in the waters north of Cyprus has risen to 12, according to Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel. Rescue teams recovered two additional bodies, both women, during a nighttime operation.

The Filo Jet catamaran capsized last Sunday shortly after departing from the port of Kyrenia (Girne) while en route to the southern coast of Turkey. Water reportedly entered the vessel for unknown reasons, causing it to tilt and sink several kilometers off the coast at a depth of approximately 554 meters. While 239 passengers were successfully rescued, 16 individuals remain missing.

Turkish specialized teams located the wreckage on Wednesday using remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The Turkish Navy rescue vessel TCG Alemdar has joined the TCG Isin in ongoing search and rescue efforts. Prime Minister Ustel stated that operations will continue until every missing person is found and promised legal action against those responsible. Several officials, including port staff and the Minister of Transport, have been suspended, and the ship's captain and several crew members have been detained.