Ferry carrying 279 people capsized in Cyprus, 8 dead and questions over sailing permit

The decision to allow the “Filo Jet” ferry to depart from Kyrenia despite the bad weather has raised numerous questions following its capsizing, in which 8 people lost their lives.

The catamaran, carrying 279 people, left the port bound for Tasuxhuse, in Turkey’s Mersin province, only after receiving authorization to sail.

According to Unal Ustel, prime minister of the Turkish Cypriot administration in northern Cyprus, the authority overseeing the ports had initially prohibited the vessel from departing because of the unfavorable weather conditions.

However, about an hour later, the decision was reversed and the “Filo Jet” was allowed to leave.

Problems began just minutes after the ferry left the port. When it was approximately four nautical miles from the coast, the vessel began taking on water.

The catamaran listed heavily, capsized and then sank to the seabed at a depth of around 514 meters.

The fact that authorization was granted just one hour after sailing had been prohibited because of the weather has triggered strong reactions in northern Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot journalist Aisemden Akin has called for the publication of documents related to the vessel’s departure, including the departure order, inspection reports and the authorization to operate the route.

She has also called for it to be disclosed who ultimately signed the permit, while the weather conditions had initially been the reason for prohibiting the sailing.

The body responsible for inspections, the “Department of Ports,” operates under Transport Minister Erhan Arikli.

The investigation is now focusing on how the decision was made that led to the “Filo Jet” leaving the port.

The authorities must clarify why a vessel initially considered unsuitable for sailing was allowed to depart one hour later and what information served as the basis for the change.

The investigations are expected to determine the circumstances of the tragedy, as well as the possible responsibility of the officials who authorized the sailing.