Search Continues for Missing After Cyprus Ferry Disaster

At least eight people are confirmed dead and 20 remain missing after the high speed ferry Filo Jet sank off the northern coast of Cyprus on Sunday. The vessel was traveling from Kyrenia to Tasucu in Turkey when it capsized and sank in a matter of minutes. Out of 267 people on board, 241 were rescued. Most of the victims and missing persons are Turkish or Turkish Cypriot, including a 12 year old girl and a 6 year old boy. The wreck currently lies on the seabed at a depth of over 500 meters. Turkey has deployed the TCG Isin, a deep sea search vessel capable of searching up to 3,000 meters, to assist in the recovery of the black box and search for survivors. The captain and crew have been detained on suspicion of negligence. In court, the crew claimed the bow of the catamaran broke apart due to waves. However, some survivors testified that the captain ignored pleas to stop the ship and may have attempted to abandon the vessel prematurely. While a police representative stated that the ship was not overloaded and weather conditions were not prohibitive, officials have questioned the seaworthiness of the 26 year old ferry. Prime Minister Unal Ustel announced that officials who authorized the departure have been suspended. Stelios Haji Ioannou, the founder of easyJet, has donated 260,000 euros to support the families of the deceased and missing.