Filo Denizcilik's Northern Cyprus Sailings Suspended, Akgünler Takes Over

The Ministry of Transport has announced that all sea voyages by Filo Denizcilik to and from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have been suspended until further notice. The statement indicated that Akgünler Denizcilik will commence voyages between the TRNC and Turkey starting tomorrow, following a route to be determined by the Coast Guard Command. This development comes in the wake of a passenger ship accident off the coast of Kyrenia. A high-speed passenger catamaran named 'Filo Jet', operating between Kyrenia Port in the TRNC and Taşucu Port in Mersin, began taking on water from its bow shortly after departing from Kyrenia yesterday afternoon and capsized. Eight people lost their lives in the accident, and 20 others are still missing. Nine suspects brought before the court in connection with the incident have been ordered into custody for three days. As part of the investigation, inquiries are ongoing into the vessel's voyage documents, technical condition, the crew's conduct during evacuation, and the potential liabilities of the company's shareholders. Additionally, the Taşucu-Girne-Taşucu and Anamur-Girne-Anamur routes from Mersin have been cancelled. Screens at the Taşucu Passenger Terminal announced that no voyages would take place, while AFAD, UMKE, gendarmerie, police, and health teams remain on standby at the port as a precaution. Meanwhile, Pegasus Airlines has added four extra flights for tomorrow only and has begun selling discounted tickets for these flights. This step aims to provide an alternative transportation option following the disruption in maritime services. This is not investment advice.