Sinking of the Filo Jet
 | |
 | |
| Date | 30 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | c. 12:00 (UTC+3) |
| Location |
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| Outcome | 241 rescued |
| Deaths | 8 |
| Missing | 18 |
On 30 August 2026, the passenger ferry Filo Jet capsized and sank off the coast of Northern Cyprus while en route from Kyrenia to Taşucu, Turkey. The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and 8 crew members. Eight people have been confirmed dead, while eighteen others remain missing.
Background
[edit source]Ferry travel in the Eastern Mediterranean is common for leisure, commerce, and general transportation, particularly during the summer[1] and often carry residents of Northern Cyprus, many of whom hold either Turkish or Northern Cypriot passports, as well as Turks from mainland Turkey. Murat Şenkul, the mayor of Kyrenia, stated that the vessel belonged to the Filo Denizcilik company.
Capsizing
[edit source]The catamaran-style ferry Filo Jet was traveling from the port of Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus to Taşucu in Turkey's Mersin province. It was scheduled to sail on 29 August, but the trip was postponed until the next day due to severe weather. The ship carried 259 passengers and 8 crew, and departed at 11:58 local time (UTC+3). It began taking on water 7.5 km (4.0 nautical miles) off the coast after encountering rough seas.[2]
The captain issued a distress call, prompting a response from the coastguard. Reports indicate that the vessel hit a large wave, and while attempting to recover, was struck by a second wave that caused it to roll over and capsize. The ship sank off the coast of Diana Beach at a depth of 514 metres (1,686 ft). Photographs show passengers standing on the hull of the capsized vessel before it sank.
Search and rescue
[edit source]Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces initiated a joint search and rescue operation. Four coastguard vessels from Northern Cyprus, along with aircraft and helicopters from Turkey, took part. Turkish Cypriot president Tufan Erhürman confirmed that 241 survivors were brought ashore, while 18 remained unaccounted for. Eight people are known to have died.[3]
Aftermath
[edit source]The captain and the seven crew were arrested by Northern Cyprus police for questioning.[4]
Political leaders in the region extended their condolences, including Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Cypriot president Tufan Erhürman, and Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the government spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, who expressed the Republic's readiness to assist in search and rescue efforts. United Nations special representative in Cyprus Khassim Diagne offered condolences.[citation needed]
Turkish Cypriot minister of transport Erhan Arıklı announced that an enquiry would be launched. He noted that given the depth of the shipwreck, specialized vessels and divers would be required from Turkey to recover the data recorder.[citation needed]
Filo Denizcilik issued a statement expressing that they were "deeply saddened by the tragic accident". The Northern Cyprus Council of Ministers declared three days of national mourning.[5]
References
[edit source]- ↑ Thompson, Angus; Hatton, Ben. "Captain in custody after boat capsizes off northern Cyprus, local leader says, as eight reported dead". BBC News. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
- ↑ Smith, Helena; Chrisafis, Angelique (30 August 2026). "At least eight dead and 18 missing after ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
- ↑ "Kyrenia ferry death toll rises to eight". cyprus-mail.com. 30 August 2026. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
- ↑ "At least 8 dead after ferry with nearly 270 passengers and crew capsizes off northern Cyprus". NBC News. 30 August 2026. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
- ↑ Staff, Al Jazeera. "Investigators probe cause of Northern Cyprus boat capsizing, crew detained". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 31 August 2026.
