🔴 PR Network – Sources
A major maritime tragedy struck off the coast of Northern Cyprus on Sunday after the passenger ferry FILOJET capsized shortly after leaving Kyrenia (Girne) for Taşucu in Türkiye. The vessel was carrying 267 people, including 259 passengers and 8 crew members. According to the latest official figures, 7 people have died, 237 have been rescued and 23 remain missing. Authorities have launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the surrounding waters as efforts continue to locate those still unaccounted for.
The ferry reportedly began taking on water around four nautical miles off Kyrenia Port soon after starting its journey. A distress alert was issued after the vessel encountered trouble at sea, prompting an immediate emergency response. Images and footage from the scene showed survivors wearing life jackets and remaining in the water around the overturned vessel while rescue boats and helicopters moved towards the accident site. The sudden incident turned what had begun as a routine passenger journey between Northern Cyprus and Türkiye into a major maritime emergency.
A massive multi-agency rescue operation has been launched involving Northern Cyprus and Turkish Coast Guard units, helicopters and other emergency resources. Rescue teams have been searching a wide area of the sea for the missing passengers, while those brought to safety have been taken towards Kyrenia. Some rescued passengers were transported to hospitals for medical treatment. Turkish authorities have also mobilised additional resources in coordination with Northern Cyprus as the search operation continues.
The exact circumstances behind the capsizing have not yet been officially established. Initial reports indicate that difficult weather and sea conditions may have contributed to the incident, although authorities have not released a final determination on the cause. Investigators are expected to examine the vessel’s condition, the weather and sea conditions at the time, and the sequence of events after the ferry left Kyrenia. Officials are continuing to gather information while the emergency response remains the immediate priority.
The search for the 23 missing people remains the main focus of the ongoing operation. Families and relatives are awaiting information as rescue teams continue working in the waters off Northern Cyprus. Authorities have indicated that the casualty figures could change as search and identification efforts progress. The latest confirmed figures are 7 dead, 237 rescued and 23 missing, out of 267 people aboard the ferry. The incident remains a developing maritime tragedy, with further official updates expected as the rescue operation continues.
