Authorities in Northern Cyprus have detained the captain and seven other people following the capsizing of the passenger ferry Filo Jet off Girne, which left eight people dead.
A total of 279 people were on board the vessel when it began sinking two kilometres from the coastline. The ferry overturned during the passage, sending passengers into the water, with Russian citizens believed to be among those on board.
Prime Minister Unal Ustel of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus confirmed that all eight individuals had been taken into custody as part of the official investigation into the disaster. Russian state news agency TASS reported the detentions following the incident off the northern Cypriot coast.
Ustel stated that authorities would carry out a thorough investigation into the incident. He assured that officials will examine the circumstances of the capsizing to identify even the slightest degree of negligence.
Ferry route and coastal location
The Filo Jet was travelling from Northern Cyprus to the port of Tasucu in Turkey when the vessel began going under water. Tasucu is a harbor town located in Mersin Province along the southern coast of mainland Turkey, serving as a primary maritime gateway and passenger terminal for ferry services operating across the Mediterranean Sea to the island of Cyprus.
The vessel started sinking two kilometres off the coast of Girne, also historically known as Kyrenia, a major port city situated on the northern shore of Cyprus. Girne handles regular maritime traffic and ferry services across the stretch of water separating the island from southern Turkish ports.
Status of Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus, officially known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is a de facto state occupying the northern portion of Cyprus. The self-proclaimed territory declared independence in 1983 and is recognized internationally only by Turkey.
All eight detained individuals remain in custody as the investigation into the capsizing continues. Authorities are seeking to establish the full facts surrounding the disaster that left eight dead out of the 279 people on board.
