Fatal ferry sinking off the coast of Kyrenia

On August 30, 2026, the passenger catamaran Filo Jet capsized and sank four nautical miles off the coast of Kyrenia, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths and 18 individuals remaining missing. The vessel, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, encountered severe distress shortly after departure for Taşucu, Turkey. While initial reports indicated weather conditions were suitable, authorities confirmed that the ship's port department had briefly blocked the departure due to poor weather before reversing the decision an hour later. Survivors reported that the crew failed to respond adequately to passenger concerns about water ingress, with allegations that staff abandoned ship ahead of those on board.

The self-declared "TRNC" authorities have initiated a major search and rescue operation involving aircraft, drones, and naval vessels from both Turkey and the north, and have declared three days of national mourning ending September 2. Legal proceedings are underway, with arrest warrants issued for 16 individuals, including the captain, crew, company shareholders, and port officials. Investigations are focused on charges of death through negligence, as the wreckage lies at a depth of 514 meters. The vessel had a 26-year history of service and previous collision damage, and court testimony revealed that despite the availability of lifejackets, the crew was insufficiently trained regarding their location.