31.08.2026 16:00
Following the ferry disaster off the coast of Kyrenia in which 18 people went missing, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Minister of Public Works and Transport, Erhan Arıklı, who shared the ship's class and compliance certificates with the public, responded to the allegations. Stating that the exact cause of the accident will be revealed through technical examination, Arıklı said, 'If necessary, I will resign. After the black box is found, everyone, including myself, will assume whatever political responsibility there is.'
It was announced that 18 people are missing on the ferry named "Filo Jet," which capsized off the coast of Kyrenia while on the Kyrenia-Taşucu route. Stating that all possibilities regarding the accident are on the table, Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı said, "If necessary, I will resign; a public duty is a position of accountability," and announced that the judicial and administrative investigation is continuing in all its aspects.
The investigation into the ferry disaster, which took on water from the bow and capsized shortly after departing from Kyrenia Port, is deepening. While search and rescue efforts for the 18 missing persons continue uninterruptedly with the participation of the TRNC and Turkish Coast Guard and Naval Forces elements, Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı made comprehensive statements regarding the causes of the accident and the allegations.
ALL POSSIBILITIES BEING EXAMINED Stating that the ship sank after taking on water seriously in a short time, Minister Arıklı said the exact cause would become clear after technical examinations. Providing information on the scope of the investigations, Arıklı stated that technical failure, structural defect, stability and ballast problems, human error, adverse sea conditions, and the possibility of contact with another object are being meticulously evaluated. Emphasizing that the ship's AIS, GPS, radar records, VHF radio communications, and engine alarm data are under scrutiny in the investigation, Arıklı noted that independent experts from Turkey and international organizations could be included in the process if deemed necessary.
Arıklı shared the ship's captaincy, class, and suitability documents with the public. "ALL DOCUMENTS OF THE SHIP AND LIFE JACKETS WERE AVAILABLE" Stating that the inspection processes and ship documents are also within the scope of the investigation, Arıklı announced that Filo Jet's seaworthiness certificate, class records, High-Speed Craft Operating Permit, and captain's license were complete. Stating that the ship set sail at 60% capacity, the Minister reported that there were enough life jackets for all passengers on board. Emphasizing that no public official or private company employee found negligent will be spared, Arıklı stated, "Regardless of their title or position, no one will be excluded from the investigation."
"BLACK BOX" WILL BE SOUGHT Stating that the ship is located at a depth exceeding 500 meters, which complicates technical examination, Arıklı announced that sonar systems and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) will be used. The investigations will examine not only the cause of the sinking but also whether alarms worked at the time of water intake, whether passengers were informed, and whether evacuation procedures were correctly implemented.
"IF NECESSARY, I WILL RESIGN; WE ARE OBLIGED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE" Responding to discussions on political responsibility and making assessments on BRT screens, Erhan Arıklı argued that the process should not be manipulated and used the following statements: "A public duty is not a position to protect one's office; it is a position of accountability. If necessary, I will resign, but trying to vilify someone from the very first moment of the incident is far from an ethical understanding. Be a little patient. Once the black box is found, everyone, including me, will assume whatever political responsibility there is."