The death toll from a ferry accident off Girne (Kyrenia) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has risen to 13 with 15 people still missing, Prime Minister Unal Ustel said Saturday.
"With the recovery of another body, the number of people who lost their lives in the accident has risen to 13 while the number of missing persons is now 15," Ustel said.
The FiloJet passenger vessel was carrying 267 people when it capsized shortly after departing Girne Port around midday last Sunday, August 30, en route to Tasucu in Mersin, Türkiye.
Round-the-clock search and rescue operations have continued since the disaster with rescuers recovering another body on Saturday.
Authorities said the wreck of the ferry has been located at a depth of 554 metres (1,818 feet) off Kyrenia, aiding ongoing recovery efforts.
The TRNC, a breakaway state recognised only by Ankara, continues to lead the search operation as families await news of the missing.
Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the capsizing and investigations are expected once search and rescue efforts conclude.
