Ferry capsizes off Northern Cyprus
At least 8 people have died, and 18 others are missing after a passenger ferry departing from Kyrenia capsized
The catamaran ferry Filo Jet had 259 passengers and 8 crew on board and was travelling from Kyrenia in northern Cyprus to Tasucu in Turkey when it capsized and sank in bad weather shortly after departure on Sunday. The survivors were rescued by passing ships and members of the coast guard. Search and rescue operations continue as 18 passengers remain unaccounted for, although the ship now lies at a depth of more than 500 metres, at the bottom of the Mediterranean.
The company which operates the high-speed ferry, Filo Denizcilik, is Turkish registered, and many of the passengers are reported to have been Turkish citizens.
The ship’s captain and seven crew members have been detained by Northern Cypriot authorities while an investigation looks at how this disaster occurred.
Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing following flash flooding along the Nepal–Tibet border last week.
Ian Cameron
Ian is ITIJ's editor-in-chief and has been a vocal part of the international travel and health insurance industry for over 30 years. Ian oversees the editorial department's content and works closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure the magazine reaches its intended audience.