Six dead and 172 survivors after the sinking of the Turkish catamaran “FiloJet” in northern Cyprus

The Turkish catamaran “FiloJet” (IMO 8962034) has sunk off the coast of Girne, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), reports CNN Türk. So far, the toll is six dead and 172 survivors, while search and rescue operations continue.

The catamaran “FiloJet” was sailing from the port of Girne to the port of Taşucu, began taking on water, and was in danger of sinking four miles off the coast of Girne, local authorities report. After receiving the alert, search and rescue operations were initiated in the area.

As part of the search and rescue operations, four vessels belonging to the Coast Guard Command of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the passenger ship “Akgünler 3” have been deployed, and the Coast Guard Command has sent five vessels and two Coast Guard helicopters to the area.

Additionally, six warships have been deployed to support the operations carried out by the Naval Forces Command in the region.

Formerly “Iris Jet”, this is a French-built catamaran, in service since 2000.

Photo: Heiko Grave (VesselFinder)