Passenger ferry capsizes off the coast of Kyrenia

A passenger ferry named Express, operated by Filo Jet, capsized on Sunday afternoon shortly after departing from the port of Kyrenia toward Tasucu, Turkey. The vessel, described as a catamaran, ran into distress approximately two to three miles off the coast and issued a distress signal at 12:10 p.m. reporting that it was taking on water. Conflicting reports exist regarding the number of people on board, with sources citing figures ranging from 267 to 279 passengers and crew. Turkish Ambassador in Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri, has confirmed that there have been fatalities, though an exact death toll has not yet been released. Reports suggest the vessel was old and may have suffered structural failure in its fibreglass hull, causing it to split.

Rescue operations are currently underway, involving the local coast guard, private vessels, and emergency services. The Republic of Cyprus has offered assistance, with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) signaling readiness to deploy aeronautical resources via the United Nations peacekeeping force, Unficyp. President Nikos Christodoulides has instructed officials to communicate this offer of aid to the Turkish Cypriot authorities as the situation continues to develop.