Maritime tragedy off the coast of Kyrenia
On August 30, 2026, the passenger ship 'Filio Jet', flying the Turkish flag, capsized and sank approximately four to five nautical miles off the coast of Kyrenia. The vessel was en route from Kyrenia to Tasucu with 267 people on board, including 259 passengers and eight crew members. Following the incident, search and rescue operations were launched, resulting in the rescue of 242 individuals. According to the latest reports, eight people have been confirmed dead, while 17 remain missing. The wreckage currently lies at a depth of 514 meters, complicating recovery efforts.
The Republic of Cyprus, through the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), immediately offered assistance and declared its readiness to deploy naval and aerial assets. However, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declined the offer, stating that additional support was not required at this time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed condolences, and Turkish naval resources have been mobilized to assist in the operations. Authorities have detained the ship's captain and seven crew members as part of a formal investigation into the disaster, while a three-day mourning period has been declared.