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Eight people are still missing following the north Cyprus ferry accident that killed eight

Divers joined search teams to search deep waters in search of survivors. Nearly 20 people are still missing after a ferry capsized near Northern Cyprus on Monday, killing at least eight.

On Sunday, a double-hulled 'ferry' with 267 people aboard sank and flipped on the seabed just off the port of Kyrenia. The survivors were left clinging onto the overturned hull. The coastguard and passing vessels rescued them.

Naif Ezer was one of the anxiously waiting outside the port for news about passengers in the early morning hours on Monday.

One of the three friends who were traveling to see their families had been located, but two others were still missing.

While some waited, they silently wept while others scrolled their mobile phones to check for updates.

The vessel was lying at a greater depth than 500 meters (1,640 feet) on the seabed.

Officials said that divers from Turkey assisted in the search. Officials gave varying estimates on the number of missing people, some stating 19 and others 18

The ferry ran into trouble soon after leaving Kyrenia to reach the Turkish port Tasucu, in Mersin Province. This is one of many daily sea shuttle connections with Turkey.

Separate reports said that the wide-bodied ship slammed violently onto the sea surface, with a part of its bow bursting open upon impact.

Authorities have detained and questioned the captain of the ship, as well as the crew.

(source: Reuters)