TRNC suspends port officials over capsized ferry voyage

Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel announced Monday that port officials who authorized the departure of a passenger ferry which capsized off the coastal city of Kyrenia have been suspended from duty, as authorities vowed a full investigation into the disaster that left eight dead and 18 missing.

In a written statement, Ustel said the government's top priority remains locating the missing, adding that a Turkish Navy Underwater Offense team despatched from Türkiye had joined search and rescue operations. "The relevant port officials who authorized the ship's departure have also been suspended from duty, an investigation has been launched against them, and new officials have been appointed in their place," he said, stressing that those responsible would face legal accountability.

Suspects appear in court

Fourteen suspects appeared before the Kyrenia District Court on Monday as part of the ongoing investigation, including the ferry's captain, seven crew members, a company employee and two Kyrenia Port officials. The captain and crew told the court the vessel capsized after its bow broke off due to rough waves, arguing that weather data had indicated no problems at departure and the ship held valid navigational certifications.

Police told the court they were searching for two additional individuals under court order, while the court instructed investigators to examine passenger videos and assess whether the vessel had previously been involved in accidents or repairs. The court granted three additional days of detention for nine suspects, including the captain and first officer, while releasing five others — among them the two port officials — pending trial, with the next hearing set for Thursday.

Search continues

The Filo Jet was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members — 267 people total — when it attempted to return to Girne Port after taking on water through its bow shortly after departure on Sunday. A total of 241 people were rescued from the vessel, while eight bodies have been recovered and 18 people remain missing.

Relatives of some passengers protested as the suspects were brought to the courthouse on Monday. Search and rescue operations are continuing for the 18 missing people, with the Turkish Navy team working alongside local authorities in the waters off Kyrenia.