Story perspectives

241 Rescued After Filo Jet Ferry Capsizes Near Kyrenia

9/1/2026

Summary

Northern Cyprus Rescue

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus authorities launched a rescue operation after the high-speed Filo Jet ferry capsized near Kyrenia.
The ferry carried 267 people, rescuers saved 241 while eight died and 20 remain missing.
Captain and eight crew members were detained and formally arrested as an investigation began.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said the wreck lies at 514 metres depth, hindering recovery and black-box retrieval.

Summary

Erdogan Mobilises Rescue

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey mobilised resources and coordinated with Northern Cyprus for the rescue effort.
Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides pledged immediate assistance and readiness to help with search and rescue.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel chaired a Crisis Desk meeting with ministers of transport, health, interior, finance, agriculture and chiefs.
A dedicated hotline was opened to give information to relatives of the ferry’s passengers and crew.

History

Historical Context

The July 20 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, followed by a second incursion on August 14 that seized about 37 % of the island, split the territory and created a divided Cyprus. The resulting political division forces Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to manage joint rescue efforts after the Filo Jet ferry capsized near Kyrenia.

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Northern Cyprus Rescue

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus authorities launched a rescue operation after the high-speed Filo Jet ferry capsized near Kyrenia.
The ferry carried 267 people, rescuers saved 241 while eight died and 20 remain missing.
Captain and eight crew members were detained and formally arrested as an investigation began.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said the wreck lies at 514 metres depth, hindering recovery and black-box retrieval.

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