A ferry identified as FILOJET capsized about four nautical miles off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus on Sunday. The vessel was carrying roughly 267 people, including eight crew members, when it began taking on water while en route to the Turkish port of Tasucu. At least eight people were confirmed dead and 17 remained missing as survivors clung to the overturned hull.
Rescue teams responded quickly. Four Turkish Cypriot coast‑guard vessels, a civilian passenger boat, five Turkish coast‑guard ships and two helicopters were deployed to the scene. Video showed people in red life jackets on the deck of the capsized ferry while authorities worked to bring them ashore. By late afternoon the ship had sunk, settling on the seabed at a depth of about 514 metres (1,686 ft).
Turkish Cypriot officials detained the captain and seven crew members for questioning. Leader Tufan Erhurman expressed deep sadness, noting that weather conditions on Sunday were considered suitable for travel despite severe storms the previous day. President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey extended condolences to the families of the victims and pledged continued search efforts.
The ferry was one of several daily shuttle services that link the self‑declared Turkish Cypriot administration, recognised only by Turkey, with mainland Turkey. Cyprus has remained divided between the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government and the Turkish‑backed northern administration since the 1974 conflict.
