Search continues for 18 passengers after ferry capsized in northern Cyprus

Rescuers are continuing their search for 18 passengers of a ferry which capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday.

The vessel, which was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, began taking on water soon after departing the coastal town of Kyrenia in the self-proclaimed Turkish republic on Cyprus.

Eight people have been confirmed to have died in the incident, while 19 are currently being treated at hospitals in northern Cyprus, local authorities say.

The ship's captain, seven crew members, and another man were arrested on Monday, while warrants have been issued for a further seven people.

Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognised by Turkey, announced a three-day period of national mourning.

The boat has completely sunk and is lying at a depth of 514m (1,686ft), officials say.

Debris remains scattered across the water, including a black wheelie suitcase bobbing on the surface and a sheet of steel that appeared to have broken away from the ferry.

Authorities are attempting to recover the vessel's black box recorder to establish what happened.