A tragic maritime incident has unfolded off the coast of Cyprus, where a boat carrying 267 passengers capsized on Sunday, 30th August. The vessel, owned by the Filo Jet company, overturned approximately four miles from the port of Kyrenia shortly after it set sail just before midday local time. Reports indicate that at least seven people have lost their lives in the disaster, while 23 others remain unaccounted for, leading to ongoing rescue operations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Cyprus-ferry-capsizes-04-083026-ee385bdc4e58480fae32e3532f1aacb5.jpg)
The Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ünal Üstel, confirmed the fatalities on social media platform X. He stated that 237 individuals have been rescued, but the search for the missing persons is still underway. “Our search and rescue operations to locate the 23 missing persons continue without interruption,” Üstel asserted, highlighting the mobilisation of all necessary resources to locate those still lost at sea. He expressed a commitment to prioritising efforts to recover the missing individuals, assuring the public that state institutions are actively involved in the rescue operations.
The ill-fated vessel, measuring 131 feet in length, departed from Kyrenia at approximately 11:58 a.m., with its intended destination being Tasucu in Turkey, where it was expected to arrive around 5:52 p.m. Reports from various media channels, including the BBC and Phile News, suggest that the boat was not in optimal condition, with allegations of significant damage to its fiberglass structure. This deterioration may have contributed to the vessel breaking apart and capsizing, although the precise cause of the incident is yet to be determined.
In response to the catastrophe, a range of marine and naval vessels have been deployed to assist in the search for the missing passengers. The Turkish Interior Ministry has confirmed that various units, including those from the Republic of Turkey Coast Guard, are actively engaged in the rescue operations. Prime Minister Üstel stated that the situation is being monitored closely through a Crisis Management Centre and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz, also voiced his sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the news.” His remarks echoed the urgent response, affirming that search and rescue initiatives are ongoing without pause. He extended condolences to the passengers, crew, and all affected by the tragedy, while reaffirming the commitment of Türkiye and TRNC authorities to provide comprehensive support in the ongoing operations.
The aftermath of the capsizing has sparked significant concern among local communities and officials alike, with onlookers gathering at the port of Kyrenia as rescue teams continue their efforts. The emergency response teams are working around the clock, driven by the urgency of locating the individuals still missing.
As this tragic situation evolves, the focus remains on the ongoing search efforts, with hopes of finding survivors dwindling by the hour. While authorities work diligently to recover and identify those who lost their lives, questions surrounding the safety standards and maintenance of the vessel have also started to emerge. These issues may prompt further investigations into the circumstances leading to such a disastrous event at sea.
As the inquiry unfolds, the Filo Jet company has been approached for comments regarding the incident and the condition of the vessel. The local and international communities await further updates as search efforts continue.