At least nine people have died and more than 20 remain missing after a passenger ship capsized off the coast of Cyprus, according to reports from local and international media. The incident occurred approximately two kilometers north of the northern coast of the island, near the town of Girne. Initial assessments indicated that up to 270 individuals were aboard the vessel, including passengers and crew members. As of the latest updates, six fatalities have been confirmed, with authorities still searching for over 20 missing persons. The ship, operated by the Turkish-owned company Filo Jet, departed from Girne Port and was heading toward the Turkish port of Taşucu when the accident took place. Witnesses reported that the vessel began taking on water about four miles offshore before capsizing. Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying rescue teams and helicopters to assist survivors who managed to reach the shore. However, many others remained stranded in the water, clinging to debris or parts of the overturned boat. Local officials, including the mayor of Girne, Murat Şenkul, described the situation as extremely serious. He stated that contact had been established with 159 of the 258 passengers initially believed to be onboard the capsized vessel. This means that 99 individuals are still unaccounted for. Şenkul noted that the total number of people on board was estimated at 270, which includes both passengers and crew members. At this time, there has been no official update regarding the condition of the crew, though search and rescue operations continue. According to CNN Türk, citing the self-proclaimed leader of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Unal Üstel, the incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region. The ship’s route followed a common commercial path used by ferries transporting tourists and residents between Turkey and Cyprus. Despite regular inspections and maintenance checks, such accidents are not unheard of in the area, particularly during periods of high sea activity. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the capsizing happened quickly, leaving many passengers in shock. Some managed to swim ashore while others were rescued by nearby vessels or emergency boats. Social media posts from local news outlets showed images of survivors being taken to the beach, while others were still floating in the water, waiting for assistance. A video shared by one outlet displayed a group of people gathered around the wreckage, attempting to locate missing relatives or friends. Authorities have begun coordinating efforts with neighboring countries, including Greece and Turkey, to support the ongoing search and rescue operation. The Greek Coast Guard has expressed willingness to assist in the recovery process, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in such crises. Meanwhile, the Turkish government has pledged additional resources to aid in the investigation and response. As of now, the exact cause of the capsizing remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that rough seas and sudden weather changes could have contributed to the disaster. However, further analysis will be required to determine whether mechanical failure or human error played a role. In the meantime, families of the victims are awaiting further information, hoping for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
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