Eight dead and 18 missing after Filo Jet sinks off Kyrenia
Investigators are examining the Filo Jet sinking off Kyrenia as survivors allege safety failures and eight people remain in custody.
Kyrenia, Cyprus. Eight people have died and 18 remain missing after the Filo Jet sank off Kyrenia, while investigators examine the circumstances of the disaster and allegations of safety failures.
A total of 267 people, including 259 passengers and eight crew members, were on board, according to Turkey’s Interior Ministry.
Investigation into sinking
The captain and seven others have been placed in custody as part of the investigation.
“Prime Minister” Unal Ustel said the vessel capsized after being struck successively by two large waves. He said the captain attempted to right the ship after the first wave, but a second wave caused water to flood into the vessel.
Local media reported that the captain noticed water entering the ship shortly after it departed for Tasucu, Mersin, and tried to return to Kyrenia but was unable to do so.
Survivor accounts
Passenger accounts of the minutes after departure are central to the investigation.
Ibrahim Kanbolat alleged that passengers who warned the crew that the catamaran was taking on water were told: “We’re used to it, this is normal.” He said water entered heavily, part of the vessel’s side gave way and the ship began to tilt immediately.
Kanbolat said a crew member went to the back of the vessel and told passengers to run there, but no life jackets were provided. He said passengers survived through their own efforts and that he was rescued by a private boat. He also alleged that crew members did not distribute life jackets despite children and non-swimmers being on board.
Efe Multici told CNN Türk that some passengers were forced to jump into the sea without life jackets. He said the vessel began taking on water about 20 to 25 minutes after leaving Kyrenia at around midday local time, following a departure delay caused by strong winds.
Multici described the lack of life jackets as a major problem and compared the ship’s movement to being in a gondola, calling the incident “literally a battle for survival.”
Rescue operation
Search and rescue operations are continuing for the 18 people still unaccounted for.
Survivors have been taken to hospital. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said their condition did not appear to be a serious cause for concern.
Footage circulating on social media was reported to show the vessel capsizing and passengers’ final moments on board.
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