**RoC Assistance Not Needed in Kyrenia Boat Disaster, Authorities Say**
*Kyrenia, Cyprus – August 30, 2026* – The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) has confirmed that no assistance from the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) is required in response to the recent ferry disaster near Kyrenia. The incident involved the passenger vessel “Filo Jet,” which was reported to be in distress approximately 5 nautical miles north of Kyrenia.
The distress signal was received by the JRCC at 12:13 PM on Sunday. In a statement, the JRCC indicated that it promptly reached out to the Turkish Cypriot authorities through the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the relevant bicommunal committee. The JRCC expressed its readiness to deploy available air and naval resources for the search and rescue operation, emphasizing that the primary concern was the preservation of human life at sea.
However, the Turkish Cypriot side informed the JRCC that they did not require assistance at that time. This decision came as the situation unfolded, with local authorities managing the rescue efforts independently.
The incident has raised significant concern, as reports indicate that the death toll from the disaster has risen to eight, with 17 individuals still unaccounted for. In the wake of the tragedy, the captain of the “Filo Jet” and seven crew members have been arrested, pending further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the vessel.
The JRCC has also highlighted the challenging conditions faced by rescue teams, who battled 6 Beaufort seas during their operations to save individuals from the water. The Chief of the JRCC noted the difficulties posed by the weather conditions, which complicated rescue efforts.
As the situation continues to develop, local authorities and rescue teams remain focused on locating the missing individuals and providing support to those affected by the disaster. The community in Kyrenia is grappling with the aftermath of the incident, which has drawn attention to maritime safety and the protocols in place for handling such emergencies.
Further updates are expected as investigations proceed and more information becomes available regarding the circumstances leading to the sinking of the “Filo Jet.”