Fatal ferry sinking off the coast of Kyrenia

A passenger catamaran, the Filo Jet, capsized and sank approximately four nautical miles off the coast of Kyrenia on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The vessel, carrying 267 people, was reportedly allowed to depart despite initial refusal by port authorities due to poor weather. The sinking resulted in at least eight confirmed deaths, while 20 people remain missing. Survivors reported that the ship began taking on water and experienced a severe list shortly after departure, with some alleging the captain ignored requests to return to port despite visible damage to the bow.

Following the disaster, 16 arrest warrants were issued for individuals including the captain, crew members, and company officials on charges of causing death by negligence. Nine suspects have appeared before a court in the occupied north, and investigations are ongoing. Recovery efforts are currently underway with the support of Turkish naval vessels TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar, which have located an object believed to be the wreck at a depth of 550 metres. Tensions remain high at the Kyrenia port as families of the missing protest the lack of information and official response.