Statement from the Ministry of Interior regarding the ship accident in Kyrenia

Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the region after a catamaran-type passenger ship, carrying 259 passengers and 8 crew members, began taking on water and capsized off the coast of Kyrenia.

Following the incident, TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions were dispatched to the area, and it was reported that some passengers climbed onto the overturned ship to wait for help. It was stated that all resources have been mobilized for the rescue efforts.

STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

The Ministry of Interior issued a new statement regarding the search and rescue operations being conducted for the passenger ship that took on water off the coast of Kyrenia.

In the statement made by the Ministry, it was noted that the passenger ship named FİLOJET, which was en route from Kyrenia Port to Taşucu Port on August 30, 2026, with 259 passengers and 8 crew members on board, began taking on water 4 miles off the coast of Kyrenia Port and faced the danger of sinking.

It was reported that search and rescue operations were initiated in the region immediately after the notification was received.

As part of the efforts, it was announced that 4 floating assets belonging to the TRNC Coast Guard Command and the passenger ship named AKGÜNLER 3 were assigned to the region. It was noted that 5 floating assets and 2 Coast Guard helicopters were dispatched to the area by the Turkish Coast Guard Command.

Additionally, it was announced that 6 maritime assets were assigned by the Naval Forces Command to provide support to the ongoing operations.

The Ministry stated that search and rescue operations are being carried out in coordination between the relevant units.

YILMAZ: OUR PRIORITY IS THE RESCUE OF PASSENGERS AND CREW

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also stated in his remarks that the incident deeply saddened everyone, saying, "As of now, our primary priority is the rescue of the passengers and the crew."

Yılmaz expressed that the efforts initiated by the TRNC and Republic of Turkey Coast Guard units and relevant institutions are continuing without interruption, adding, "We are closely following this unfortunate incident and are providing all kinds of support to the search and rescue operations. I convey my best wishes to the passengers on board, the crew, and our nation."

AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik also wished for the passengers on the ship to be rescued without harm. Çelik stated, "All resources have been mobilized. Rescue efforts are continuing in the strongest possible way. Our prayers are with them..."