The customs building at Girne port has been abandoned, with vessel call documents kept in cardboard boxes

The customs building at the tourist port of Girne in Northern Cyprus has been abandoned: the premises are filled with rubbish, while folders containing documents on vessel arrivals and departures are kept in cardboard boxes under unsuitable storage conditions.

Attention was drawn to the condition of the building after the passenger vessel Filo Jet sank. The vessel, which operated on the Girne — Taşucu route, capsized and sank off Girne on 30 August, and its wreckage was found at a depth of about 550 m.

As of the fifth day of the search, 9 people had died and another 19 were reported missing. The body of a man believed to be about 50 years old, recovered on 3 September, was taken to Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital in Lefkoşa for identification. The TCG Isin and TCG Alemdar vessels, equipped with underwater robots, are operating at the crash site, and the operation is continuing around the clock.

The sinking has once again raised questions about oversight of maritime transport, compliance with safety requirements and procedures for maintaining vessel documentation. While the investigation continues and those responsible are being identified, the condition of the archive at Girne port has raised further questions about document storage practices and inspection procedures.