The number of individuals detained within the framework of the ongoing investigation into the sinking of the “FiloJet” passenger ferry off the coast of Northern Cyprus has risen to 14.
Sea-news.az reports citing the TRT television channel, that earlier reports indicated the detention of nine individuals—including the captain and at least eight crew members. In their court testimonies, the crew claimed that the vessel’s bow section broke off due to severe wave impact, causing water to flood the deck and leading to the disaster.
Search and Rescue Operations Continue
Search and rescue operations are actively continuing, with 18 people still reported missing. The search efforts are being conducted using two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an aircraft dispatched from Turkey, alongside coast guard vessels and specialized divers deployed to the area.
In response to the tragedy, scheduled ferry services between Kyrenia port in Northern Cyprus and the Turkish ports of Taşucu and Anamur have been suspended, as announced by local transport companies and officials.
To recap, the vessel departed from Kyrenia port toward Turkey on Sunday with 267 people on board. TRNC leader Tufan Erhürman previously confirmed that 241 people have been rescued and 8 passengers have lost their lives. Continuous overnight rescue operations were intensified in the morning hours as search teams race against time to locate the 18 missing individuals.
