Mother tells how daughter slipped away in north Cyprus ferry disaster

AI Summary

A ferry capsized off northern Cyprus resulting in at least eight deaths with nearly 20 people still missing, including children. Ongoing rescue efforts face challenges due to deep waters where the incident occurred.

By Mehmet Emin Caliskan KYRENIA, Cyprus, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Ayten Bicer felt her 12-year-old daughter slip from her hands and disappear as a ferry capsized off northern Cyprus on Sunday, killing at least eight people. Her daughter Miray, and 6-year-old son Mehmet Asaf, were among nearly 20 people still missing on Monday as search teams looked for survivors in waters more than 500 metres (1,640 feet) deep. "She was saying, 'Don't let go'. And I didn't let go of my daughter. I swear, I didn't let her go," Ayten Bicer sobbed.