A big ferry boat capsized near the coast of northern Cyprus. The sad accident happened right after the ship left the port. Nearly two hundred seventy people were on the boat. Bad weather made the heavy ship flip completely over. Water rushed inside the main rooms very quickly.
Eight people died in the cold water during the crash. Rescue teams found the bodies near the sunken ship. Many other passengers managed to swim to safety. Police officers and local doctors arrived at the shore. They gave warm blankets to the tired survivors.
The Rescue Mission
Rescue workers are searching the dark water right now. Fast boats and big helicopters look for missing people. Eighteen passengers are still missing in the sea. The brave divers check every part of the wreck. Families wait anxiously on the beach for news.
Strong winds and high waves make the search hard. Divers cannot see very far under the water. The rescue teams will not stop their work tonight. Floodlights shine brightly across the dark ocean waves. Everyone hopes to find the missing people alive.
What People Said
One lucky survivor talked about the scary accident. He said the big boat tilted very fast. People shouted for help in the dark night. He jumped into the water before the ship sank. Another passenger lost her jacket in the waves.
Local leaders feel very sad about this tragedy. They promised to help the grieving families today. Government workers brought food and water for survivors. Police officers took notes from people on the beach. Doctors treated many cuts and bruises on passengers.
Next Steps
Experts will pull the heavy boat out soon. They want to find out what went wrong. Divers will check the engine rooms very carefully. Police will ask the surviving crew many questions. Safety rules for boats might change very soon.
Port workers will check other ships this week. They want to stop new accidents from happening. The country is mourning the people who died. Schools in the local town held a moment. People everywhere send their love to the families.