30.08.2026 19:31
Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ünal Üstel announced that within the scope of the investigation into the passenger ship that sank in Kyrenia, an 8-person crew, including the ship's captain, has been detained.
The Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ünal Üstel, made a statement regarding the shipwreck that occurred off the coast of Girne.
“WE WILL NOT LEAVE A SINGLE RESOURCE UNUSED” Stating that their grief is immense, Üstel said, “We are faced with a tragic accident that will go down in history as the biggest maritime disaster Cyprus has ever experienced. I wish God's mercy upon our lost citizens, patience and condolences to their families and loved ones, and a speedy recovery to our injured. All the resources of our state have been mobilized since the very first moment of the accident. In the initial response, 4 Coast Guard boats, 2 helicopters, 1 patrol ship and 1 assault boat belonging to the Turkish Peace Forces, along with diving teams from our Civil Defense and Police Organization and 4 accompanying search and rescue boats, participated in the efforts. The search and rescue capacity has been further strengthened over time. Currently, 2 aircraft, 4 helicopters, 4 UAVs, and 4 Coast Guard boats assigned by the Turkish Armed Forces are actively participating in the search and rescue operations in the region. The Command of the Turkish Peace Forces, the Command of the Security Forces, units sent from the Turkish Armed Forces, the Coast Guard Command of the Turkish Ministry of Interior, our Police Organization, and our Civil Defense Organization Presidency are continuing their work tirelessly in great coordination. Within a short time, a search and rescue ship belonging to the Naval Forces, capable of searching up to a depth of 1000 meters and reaching the shipwreck, will also arrive in the TRNC and join the efforts. We are searching with all our means from the air, the sea, and under the sea. We will not leave a single resource unused,” he stated.
Ünal Üstel “SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE” Stating that search and rescue operations will continue uninterrupted until the missing are found, Üstel said, “The President of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, also called me and expressed his sorrow over the great disaster, conveyed his condolences to me and our people, and stated that the Republic of Türkiye is ready to provide unlimited support in every area needed. The Vice President of Türkiye, Mr. Cevdet Yılmaz, has been in constant consultation with us since the very first moment of the accident and is closely following the process. The Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party, Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, also called me to convey his deep sorrow and condolences over the great disaster and expressed that they stand by the Turkish Cypriot people on this difficult day. On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, I thank the Republic of Türkiye, the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, and MHP Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, who have been with us from the very first moment in this great sorrow of ours and have shown their solidarity,” he stated.
8 DETAINED INCLUDING THE CAPTAIN TRNC Prime Minister Üstel, noting that the ship's captain and 7 crew members have been detained, made the following assessment: “While our search and rescue efforts continue, an investigation has been immediately launched to determine how this disaster occurred. I say this very clearly; every aspect of this incident will be investigated. Even the slightest negligence will be brought to light. Whoever is at fault or responsible, there will be no mercy shown. Shedding full light on this great disaster is both the duty of our state and its responsibility towards our lost citizens and their families. Our sorrow is great today. However, our state, with all its institutions, is at the helm of its duty. We are now focused with all our strength on reaching our missing, healing our wounds, and uncovering all the facts of this great disaster. Once again, I wish God's mercy upon our lost citizens, patience to their families and loved ones, and a speedy recovery to our injured. Our prayers are for reaching our missing people as soon as possible.”