Mediterranean Ferry Disaster: Captain Allegedly Fled as Passengers Describe Locked Exits

Passengers on the Filo Jet described locked doors and escape routes, while authorities examined an allegation that the captain fled the ferry before it sank off Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı told the state-run Anadolu news agency that passengers had made serious accusations against the crew. He said authorities would examine all the claims. Police investigations will run alongside a separate inquiry into the disaster, with findings on the ferry’s operating permit, seaworthiness and onboard safety measures to be made public.

The express ferry overturned around midday on Sunday, shortly after departing Kyrenia, also known as Girne, in northern Cyprus. It was heading for Mersin in southern Turkey. Water entered the catamaran for reasons that remain unclear, and the vessel filled before tipping onto its side and sinking to the seabed 500 meters below the surface.

The rescue effort unfolded in chaotic conditions. People wearing life jackets clung to the part of the damaged ferry that remained above water while waiting for help. Witnesses said passengers on the lower deck tried to break windows to escape.

Most of the approximately 260 people aboard were rescued. At least eight people died, however, and 18 others were still missing as the search continued.

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All allegations will be thoroughly examined.