Archive · 31 Aug 2026
At Least Seven Die as Ferry Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus
A ferry called FILOJET was traveling from northern Cyprus to Turkey.
It left Kyrenia on Sunday afternoon with 267 people aboard.
Soon after leaving, the ferry began taking in water and turned over.
At least seven people died, although one report said eight had died.
Rescue teams saved between 237 and 241 people.
Reports disagreed about how many people were still missing.
Survivors said the boat moved violently and may have been damaged near its front.
Officials were still investigating, including whether the weather played a role.
The privately operated FILOJET ferry capsized and later sank off Kyrenia while traveling to Tasucu, Turkey.
The ferry carried 259 passengers and eight crew members, or 267 people in total.
Reports put the death toll at seven or eight, with rescue figures ranging from 237 to 241 people.
Initial reports differed on the number missing, citing between 17 and 24 people as search efforts continued.
Survivors described erratic movement and a possible impact or explosion, while authorities had not established the cause; weather conditions were also under scrutiny.
- Who
- The FILOJET carried 259 passengers and eight crew members; Turkish Cypriot and Turkish authorities conducted the rescue.
- What
- A ferry capsized and sank, killing at least seven people and prompting a search for missing passengers.
- When
- Sunday, August 30, after the ferry left Kyrenia at about 12:30 p.m. local time.
- Where
- About 6.5–7.5 kilometers, or four nautical miles, off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus; the ferry was bound for Tasucu in Turkey.
- Why
- The cause was not established. Authorities said the ferry began taking on water shortly after departure; survivors reported violent movement and a possible impact or explosion, while weather conditions were also examined.
Possible Causes and Accountability
Alternative Explanations and Official Uncertainty
Cause of the capsize
Possible Causes and Accountability
Survivors said the ferry moved erratically, slammed into the water and may have suffered a bow impact or explosion that allowed water to enter.
Alternative Explanations and Official Uncertainty
Authorities had not determined the cause. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman noted severe storms the previous day but said Sunday’s weather had been considered suitable for travel.
Safety concerns
Possible Causes and Accountability
Some survivors alleged there were insufficient life jackets and that passengers had to jump into the water; one passenger said the captain continued after being warned about leaking water.
Alternative Explanations and Official Uncertainty
These were survivor accounts, not established findings. The captain and seven crew members were detained for questioning while the investigation continued.
Casualty figures
Possible Causes and Accountability
Some reports gave a toll of seven deaths, 237 rescued and 23 or 24 missing.
Alternative Explanations and Official Uncertainty
Other reports said eight deaths, 241 rescued and 17 or 18 missing, showing that the figures were still changing or inconsistent in initial coverage.
- Vessel
- Privately operated FILOJET, also described as the high-speed Turkiye or Filo Jet ferry
- People aboard
- 259 passengers and eight crew members, 267 people total
- Reported deaths
- At least seven in most reports; one report said eight
- Rescued
- Reports said 237 or 241 people were rescued
- Missing
- Initial reports cited 17, 18, 23 or 24 people missing
- Route
- Kyrenia, northern Cyprus, to Tasucu in Turkey
- Rescue response
- Four Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels, a civilian passenger vessel, Turkish coast guard vessels, helicopters and Turkish naval vessels participated
- Vessel location
- The ferry later sank to the seabed at approximately 514 meters, according to authorities
Sources
Ferry carrying 267 sinks off Northern Cyprus; 8 dead, 17 missing; Captain and 7 crew arrested
At least 7 killed, 23 missing as ferry capsizes off North Cyprus, Rescue underway
At Least 7 Dead After Ferry Carrying Nearly 270 Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus
At least eight die, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off North Cyprus
