Filo Jet ferry sinking off Girne kills 9, leaves 19 missing

September 3, 2026 at 04:15 PM2 min

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

Nine people died and 19 remain missing after the high-speed passenger ferry Filo Jet sank off Girne, northern Cyprus. The vessel, formerly named Iris Jet, had previously taken on water in a 2013 incident on the Taşucu-Girne route. Turkish and TRNC authorities are investigating the sinking, and the operator's director-shareholder and crew are in custody.

Key Facts

Nine people died and 19 are missing after the Filo Jet sank off Girne, according to Turkish and TRNC authorities.
The vessel, formerly named Iris Jet, had a 2013 incident on the Taşucu-Girne route in which it took on water, as reflected in court and official records.
Filo Denizcilik, the operator, was established in 2013 and is headquartered in Mersin, Turkey, with 13 shareholders listed in public documents.
Director-shareholder Ali Özdülger, the captain, first officer, chief engineer, assistant engineer, and four crew members are detained in Girne.
The company also operates the Mersin-Gazimağusa passenger route, according to its official website.

Vessel History

The ferry, with IMO number 8962034, previously sailed under the name Iris Jet. Court and official records show the vessel took on water in a 2013 accident on the Taşucu-Girne route. The ship was reportedly put up for sale before the sinking but remained in service after no buyer was found. The vessel is registered under the TRNC flag and categorized as a foreign shipowner in İMEAK Chamber of Shipping records.

Operator and Shareholders

Filo Denizcilik, formally Filo Gemi Acentalığı Lojistik ve Taşımacılık Ticaret Limited Şirketi, was established in 2013 and is based in Mersin. Public documents list 13 shareholders, including Ali Özdülger, Harun Erhun, Hüseyin Şengün, Mehmet Can Dönüş, Pembe Toygar, Ramazan Akyüz, Süleyman Dilek, Yakup Dilek, Fadime Kural, Serdar Akyüz, Sadık Akyüz, Saim İlkılıç, and Ramazan Bilgin. Yakup Dilek is identified as a founding partner, while Ali Özdülger is listed as director-shareholder. Most shareholders reside in the TRNC, with one residing in Turkey.

Detentions and Routes

Director-shareholder Ali Özdülger, the captain, first officer, chief engineer, assistant engineer, and four crew members are detained in Girne following the sinking. The company operates the Taşucu-Girne route and also provides passenger service between Mersin and Gazimağusa, according to its official website.