Ongoing rescue efforts follow the sinking of the Filo Jet catamaran off Kyrenia

On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the passenger catamaran Filo Jet, operating the route between occupied Kyrenia and Tasucu, Turkey, capsized and sank at a depth of approximately 514 to 550 meters. Of the 267 passengers and crew on board, 239 were rescued, eight were confirmed deceased, and 20 remain missing. Rescue operations have entered their fourth day, with authorities utilizing specialized Turkish deep-sea equipment and remote-operated underwater vehicles to locate the wreckage and the missing victims. On September 2, the 'prime minister' of the occupied territories, Unal Ustel, announced that one body had been recovered and identified as a male, with ongoing efforts focusing on whether others remain trapped within the sunken vessel.

The disaster has triggered significant public anger and criticism toward local officials regarding safety regulations and the management of the search operation. Relatives of the victims have been gathering at the port of Kyrenia, demanding answers and transparency. Reports indicate that the 'police' are investigating claims from survivors who allege they pulled bodies from the water that were not part of the initial death toll. Additionally, the Turkish Bar Association has called for an independent inquiry into the licensing and inspection history of the vessel, which was owned by Filo Denizcilik. Ongoing investigations also focus on the captain and crew, several of whom have been detained.