The captain and seven crew members of a passenger ferry that capsized off Girne (Kyrenia) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have been detained as part of an investigation into the disaster.

Axar.az reports, citing Turkish media, that the FILOJET, carrying 267 people, was sailing from Girne to Tasucu in southern Turkiye when it took on water and capsized Sunday afternoon.

Eight people were confirmed dead, while up to 250 were rescued. Seventeen people remained missing as search-and-rescue operations continued.

TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel said the vessel's departure had been postponed from Saturday because of bad weather. He said a first wave struck the ferry, followed by a second wave that caused it to take on water.