Eight dead, nearly 20 missing after Cyprus ferry sinks in 500-metre deep water

A high-speed ferry bound for Turkey capsized off the northern Cyprus coast, resulting in at least eight deaths and nearly 20 people still missing. The Filo Jet, a privately run Turkish-flagged catamaran with a length of about 40 meters, left Girne (Kyrenia) for Tasucu in Mersin on Sunday, August 30, carrying 267 people, mostly Turkish citizens. The sailing had been delayed due to poor weather on Saturday, and the departure occurred at around midday on Sunday.

Trouble struck about 15 minutes from Girne near Diana Beach, where successive waves hit the double-hulled craft. The boat slammed into the sea, the bow burst open, and water poured in. A distress call was issued, and passengers in lifejackets clung to the upturned hull or jumped into the water. Coastguard boats, helicopters, a passenger ship Akgunler 3, and civilian craft were deployed to rescue survivors.

By late afternoon, the Filo Jet had sunk to a depth of 514 meters. Of those rescued, between 237 and 242 were confirmed to be safe. The missing, however, remains unclear, with different reports citing either 18 or 19 people unaccounted for. The captain and seven crew members are currently in custody. Northern Cyprus declared three days of mourning and canceled Victory Day events scheduled for August 30.

Weather conditions, the decision to sail despite the poor weather, and the vessel's condition are all under investigation. Turkish divers have joined night searches alongside helicopters, drones, and additional ships. The Girne-Tasucu route is a daily sea shuttle service connecting northern Cyprus with the Turkish mainland.