At least eight people have died and 18 remain missing after MV Filojet, a high-speed passenger catamaran, capsized off Kyrenia in northern Cyprus on August 30. The ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members on a scheduled voyage to Taşucu, Turkey, when it began taking on water about four nautical miles from shore.
Survivors said that the vessel began moving erratically before a heavy impact damaged the bow and allowed water to enter. The cause remains unknown. Authorities are investigating whether the ferry struck an object.
The catamaran overturned and later sank in about 514 metres of water, making the search for missing passengers more difficult.
A major search and rescue operation began within minutes of the distress call. Turkish and Turkish Cypriot coast guard vessels, helicopters and naval assets were deployed to the scene.
Turkish Cypriot authorities initially reported 241 people rescued, 8 dead and 18 missing. The operation continued through Sunday as authorities searched for those still missing.
The captain and seven crew members have been detained as part of the investigation.
The accident occurred a day after severe weather affected Cyprus. Authorities said conditions on Sunday were considered suitable for the voyage and have not linked the accident to the weather. The cause remains under investigation.
