Rescuers are continuing the search for 18 passengers more than 24 hours after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus. The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water shortly after leaving Kyrenia for Tasucu in Turkey. Authorities have confirmed eight deaths, while 19 people are receiving treatment in hospitals.

The ferry has since completely sunk to a depth of 514 metres (1,686ft), with debris scattered across the sea. Search teams are working to locate the missing passengers and recover the vessel’s black box to determine the cause of the accident. Local officials said the boat was struck by two waves after its journey had earlier been delayed because of poor weather.

The captain, seven crew members and another man have been arrested, while warrants have been issued for seven more people. Northern Cyprus has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy. Families of missing passengers continue to gather at Kyrenia port as rescue operations remain underway.

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