Victims of the August 30, 2026, sinking of the passenger ferry Filo Jet off Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus have begun forming an association to pursue their rights collectively and coordinate with the relevant authorities.
Enver Mamülcü, Chairman of local business association Kıbrıs Türk İşadamları Derneği, said the proposed organisation will be called Mavide Yarım Kalanlar Derneği and that work is underway to establish its board.
Mamülcü is supporting the initiative, which is intended to bring those affected together so they can pursue their rights and follow the process more effectively through a collective organisation.
Nine individuals who have been arrested in connection with the incident appeared before the Kyrenia District Court on Friday, October 2, when their police custody was extended by seven days.
The investigation concerns alleged deaths through negligence and carelessness, Istanbul-based news outlet Bianet reported.
The suspects include the vessel’s captain, crewmembers, and company personnel.
Kıbrıs Türk Barolar Birliği announced on September 18 that it would provide free legal assistance for civil cases brought by people affected by the sinking and their family members, according to newspaper Bugün Kıbrıs.
The offer concerns representation in civil proceedings, separately from the association’s proposed coordination role.
Filo Jet, operated by Filo Denizcilik, sank while attempting to return to port after taking on water through its bow on August 30. The vessel had 259 passengers and eight crewmembers aboard at the time.
The latest reported casualty figures published by Baird Maritime on September 30 were 239 people rescued, 18 dead, and 10 still unaccounted for. The death toll had risen to 18 following the recovery of a body near Kyrenia.
Baird Maritime tracks global passenger vessel accidents in its comprehensive database, which can be accessed here.
