A rescue operation is underway in the Mediterranean after the passenger boat Filo Jet capsized while traveling from Northern Cyprus to southern Turkey, killing at least seven people.
The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members from Kyrenia to Taşucu when it began taking on water a few miles off the coast of Cyprus, according to Turkey’s Interior Ministry.
Rescue operation continues
Ünal Üstel, prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, told Turkish media that 237 people had been rescued and that search efforts were continuing for 23 others. He said the ship capsized “due to the difficult weather conditions.” None of those rescued was in critical condition.
Video from the scene showed dozens of people on the side of the vessel, while others wearing life jackets were in the water. At least one helicopter was seen hovering above the capsized boat.
Four coastguard vessels from Northern Cyprus and a passenger vessel took part in the rescue operation, the Interior Ministry said. Two coastguard helicopters were also sent to the area.
Numan Kurtulmuş, speaker of the Turkish parliament, said in a post on X that he had extended his condolences to those who lost their lives in “this exceedingly tragic incident.”
Filo Jet capsizes off Kyrenia
MarineTraffic tracking data showed the vessel north of Kyrenia on Sunday morning before its position transmissions stopped.
A live stream from Kyrenia showed people arriving at the port by helicopter and on rescue boats as ambulance sirens sounded. Several ambulances were lined up at the harbor.
Further video showed the ship lying on its side in choppy seas, with rescuers picking up people wearing life jackets and others remaining in the water.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
