Passenger ferry sinks off the coast of Kyrenia with casualties
A passenger catamaran, the Filo Jet, capsized and sank on Sunday, August 30, 2026, approximately 4 nautical miles off the coast of Kyrenia while en route to Tasucu. The vessel was carrying 267 people, consisting of 259 passengers and 8 crew members. Search and rescue operations were immediately launched by the authorities in the occupied areas with support from Turkey.
According to the latest figures provided by local officials, 237 people have been successfully rescued, while 7 individuals have been confirmed dead. Efforts continue to locate 23 missing persons, with search operations involving air and maritime assets hampered by deep sea depths exceeding 500 meters. Turkey has mobilized all necessary resources to support the recovery mission.
The Republic of Cyprus, through its Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), expressed its readiness to assist in the operation, offering its aeronautical rescue assets to ensure the protection of human life. The Cypriot government has also formally expressed its condolences to the victims' families, emphasizing that the safety of human life remains the primary priority during this tragedy.