Authorities from both Turkey and the Turkish‑controlled north of Cyprus have launched a coordinated rescue operation after a passenger ferry capsized just a few miles off the Cyprus shoreline on Sunday morning. The vessel, the Filo Jet, was en route from Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus to Taşucu in southern Turkey when it began taking on water and ultimately tipped onto its side.
Casualties and survivors
According to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, at least six people have been confirmed dead. The Interior Ministry reported that 172 passengers have been rescued so far, with additional search and rescue teams still combing the area for the remaining occupants.
Rescue assets deployed
Four coast‑guard vessels from Northern Cyprus, a passenger ship, and two coast‑guard helicopters were dispatched to the scene. Video footage captured a helicopter hovering over the capsized hull as rescuers pulled people from the water and from the vessel’s side. Ambulances were seen lining the harbor in Kyrenia, ready to treat those who made it ashore.
Official reactions
Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş posted on X, extending his condolences to the families of the victims and praising the swift response of the rescue crews. The incident has been described by local media as “exceedingly tragic,” underscoring the danger of maritime travel in the busy Mediterranean corridor.
Background on the voyage
The Filo Jet was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it left Kyrenia. The route between Northern Cyprus and Turkey is a heavily trafficked passage for both tourists and workers, making safety a paramount concern for regional authorities.
Ongoing search
MarineTraffic data shows the ferry’s last known position north of Kyrenia before its transmission stopped. Search teams are continuing to sweep the surrounding waters, and officials have asked the public to report any sightings of debris or missing persons.
What comes next
Investigators will examine the cause of the water ingress that led to the capsizing. In the meantime, families of the missing are awaiting news, and the international community is watching the rescue effort closely.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
