Mom Says 12-Year-Old Daughter Slipped Out of Her Hands as Ferry Overturned: ‘I Swear, I Didn’t Let Her Go’

In a heart-wrenching account of a maritime tragedy, Ayten Bicer has shared the agonising moment she lost her children as a passenger ship capsized off the coast of Cyprus. The distressing incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, when a vessel operated by Filo Jet overturned approximately four miles from the port of Kyrenia, shortly after its departure at 12:20 PM local time.

The ship was carrying 267 passengers when it tragically sank, leading to the loss of at least eight lives, with many still reported missing. Among those unaccounted for are Ayten’s 12-year-old daughter, Miray, and her six-year-old son. Overcome with grief, Ayten recounted the frantic moment her daughter slipped from her grasp. “She was saying, ‘Don’t let go,’ and I didn’t let go of my daughter,” she tearfully told reporters. “I swear, I didn’t let her go.”

As chaos engulfed the ship, Ayten described how a suitcase fell on her and how, despite her desperate attempts, she lost her daughter’s grip. “It was slippery everywhere. It was like oil,” she explained, describing the pandemonium on board. “She slipped out of my hand,” she added, highlighting the sheer hopelessness of the situation.

The family was reportedly returning from a holiday on the Mediterranean island, and now, in addition to the loss of her daughter, Ayten faces the torment of not knowing the fate of her son. “We lost our children,” she lamented. “Two of my three children are gone.”

Efforts to comprehend the cause of the capsizing are ongoing, but initial reports from Turkish national media suggest that the vessel was struck by two successive waves, leading to the tragic accident. Ünal Üstel, the Prime Minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, indicated that the first wave hit the ship, followed closely by a second wave, causing the vessel to take on water.

Concerns have been raised regarding the condition of the passenger ship, which was reportedly ageing and may have sustained significant damage to its fiberglass structure. In the wake of the disaster, authorities have launched relentless search and rescue operations, with Üstel assuring the public that efforts are being conducted on a 24-hour basis.

“We have established contact with 239 individuals on board who were alive,” he stated. “However, search and rescue operations are still underway for the 20 missing persons.” As hope diminishes for those still unaccounted for, the intensity of the search continues to underscore the tragedy’s impact.

In conjunction with the ongoing rescue efforts, an investigation is being pursued by local authorities. According to reports, the captain of the ship and seven crew members have been taken into custody as part of the inquiry. While it is yet unclear if any formal charges will be brought against them, Üstel stressed that even the slightest negligence will be thoroughly examined. “There will be no leniency for anyone thought to bear responsibility,” he asserted.

As the community grapples with the enormity of this disaster, the focus remains on supporting the families affected and ensuring that accountability is pursued. The emotional toll on survivors like Ayten Bicer serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of such maritime tragedies.

This incident has raised broader questions about maritime safety and the condition of vessels operating in the region. As investigations continue, it remains essential for authorities to provide clarity and reassurance to the public that safety regulations will be strictly enforced to prevent future occurrences.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are left to mourn those lost and hope for the safe return of the missing. The collective grief of the community is palpable, underscoring the shared humanity that connects individuals in the face of unimaginable loss.