Shipwreck near Girne disrupts Turkey-Cyprus maritime trade

The sinking of the high-speed passenger vessel ‘Filo Jet’ off the coast of Girne has caused significant disruptions to maritime trade between Turkey and Northern Cyprus. The vessel, which was traveling from Girne to Taşucu, sank on August 30 after taking on water, resulting in at least 14 fatalities among the 267 passengers and crew.

Following the accident, shipping services have been severely impacted. Over 500 trucks are currently stranded at the Mersin and Taşucu ports awaiting transport to Cyprus. Industry representatives warn that if the situation is not resolved within a week by chartering high-capacity cargo ships, the delay will lead to significant economic losses for importers and retailers.

There are growing concerns regarding the spoilage of perishable goods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and medicines, currently held in the waiting vehicles. Sector representatives have cautioned that the resulting increased costs may lead to price hikes for consumers in Northern Cyprus and could potentially drive some companies toward bankruptcy.