Passenger ferry capsizes off Kyrenia with 279 people reported on board
Rescue operations continued after the Filo Jet passenger ferry Express capsized shortly after leaving Kyrenia port.
Kyrenia, Cyprus. A passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Kyrenia on Sunday afternoon shortly after departing from the city’s port, Turkish Cypriot media reported. The number of passengers and the extent of any injuries had not been confirmed.
Rescue operation
The vessel, the Express passenger ferry owned by Filo Jet, was reported to have capsized about two kilometres, or three nautical miles, from Kyrenia port.
Turkish Cypriot website Kıbrıs Postası reported that 279 people were on board. Three Coast Guard vessels and three private boats were mobilised, while ambulances and police were sent to the area.
Ambulances were placed on standby to receive and transport rescued passengers.
Reports on injuries and vessel condition
Reports indicated that some people were injured, though the number of injured people and the severity of their condition had not been confirmed.
Initial reports described the ferry as a catamaran. Claims were also made that materials used in its construction may not have been suitable for maritime use and that its fibreglass structure sustained serious damage, causing the vessel to split in two quickly.
Rescue operations and investigations were continuing.
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