Eight dead, 20 missing after ferry capsizes off northern Cyprus

September 1, 2026 at 06:53 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A ferry carrying 267 people capsized and sank four miles off the coast of northern Cyprus during a Girne-Mersin voyage. Eight people died and 20 remain missing. Survivors described panic as passengers struggled to find life jackets.

Key Facts

The Filo Jet catamaran was carrying 267 people when it began taking on water four miles offshore and sank during a Girne-Mersin voyage.
Eight people died and 20 remain missing after the capsizing.
Journalist İsmail Küçükkaya reported on SÖZCÜ TV that the vessel was built for lakes, not seas, citing a 2018 technical report that flagged stability deficiencies and fuel risk.
Survivor Ayten Biçer said passengers could not find life jackets and that crew members took lifebuoys first.

The Sinking

The Filo Jet catamaran was en route from Girne to Mersin with 267 people aboard when it began taking on water four miles offshore. The vessel sank shortly after, leaving eight dead and 20 missing. Survivors described a chaotic evacuation after an announcement that the ship was sinking and needed to be abandoned. Passengers who found life jackets jumped into the sea, while others clung to the tilting hull until a nearby tour boat rescued dozens.

Survivor Accounts

Ayten Biçer, whose 12-year-old daughter Miray and 6-year-old son Mehmet Asaf are among the missing, said her children cried out 'Don't let go of our hands, mother' before slipping away. She said passengers could not find life jackets and that crew members took lifebuoys first, while panicking passengers were told to calm down. Her husband Hayri Biçer said passengers shouted at the captain to turn back when water began entering, but the voyage continued. He said he lost hope for his children, adding that a pregnant woman miscarried and non-swimmers drowned.

Vessel Suitability

Journalist İsmail Küçükkaya said on SÖZCÜ TV that the vessel was built for lakes, not seas. He cited a 2018 technical report that flagged stability deficiencies and fuel risk when the ship was considered for the Hatay Sea Bus fleet under then-mayor Lütfü Savaş. Küçükkaya questioned how the vessel was permitted to operate on the Girne-Mersin route.