The ferry Filo Jet sank off northern Cyprus near Kyrenia on August 30, shortly after departing for the southern Turkish coast at Tasucu, carrying 267 people onboard [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Rescue operations saved 239 passengers so far [1, 2, 5].
On September 4, two more female bodies were recovered, increasing the death toll to 12, with a total of four bodies recovered from the wreck located 554 meters underwater [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ünal Üstel, stated, "As a result of the work carried out last night, we reached two more female bodies. Thus, the number of bodies recovered from a depth of 554 meters has risen to four. The number of people who have died is now 12." [3]
The wreck was found on September 2 or 3 using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) due to the depth, as divers cannot reach 554 meters. Üstel confirmed, "The wreck is at a depth of 554 meters, and people cannot descend to that depth to conduct search operations. The work is being carried out entirely by robots." [1, 3, 4]
Despite intensive search and rescue by Turkish Navy vessels TCG Isin and TCG Alemdar using robotic equipment, 16 people remain missing and are presumed lost with the ship [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Initial investigations suggest water entered the ferry causing it to list and sink within a few kilometers of the northern Cypriot coast [1, 2].
Authorities have arrested nine individuals including the ship's captain and several crew members on charges including manslaughter and negligence [2, 5]. Following the disaster, several officials including port staff and the transport minister have been suspended [1]. Prime Minister Üstel vowed accountability, saying, "Everyone responsible for the accident and resulting deaths, from the lowest level to the highest level, will be held accountable under the law." [3]
The ship's voyage data recorder has not yet been recovered, hampering efforts to determine the exact cause of the sinking [2, 5]. Turkish Vice President and President Erdogan have sent condolences to the victims' families [3, 4].
The parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is scheduled to reconvene in the first week of October to address the incident and related issues [3, 4].
