03.09.2026 14:52
It has emerged that 51-year-old Nihat Pancar, who went missing on a ship that sank off the coast of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), boarded the ship without informing his family to surprise them.
It has emerged that 51-year-old Nihat Pancar, who went missing after a ship sank off the coast of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), boarded the ship without informing his family to surprise them. Pancar's wife, Özlem Pancar, stated that her husband set off without informing them to surprise them, saying, "We had no idea he was coming; he last spoke to us at 10:30. Our daughter asked her father when he would come, and he replied saying he would come."
The hopeful wait continues at the paternal home of Nihat Pancar, who was traveling on the ship that sank shortly after setting off from Girne towards Mersin, in the Yaylıca neighborhood of Hatay's Samandağ district. Pancar's family, who is not among the deceased or those receiving hospital treatment, awaits news with hope.
"WE HAD NO IDEA HE WAS COMING"
Özlem Pancar, who said her husband went missing on the ship that sank on his way to surprise them, stated, "My husband had gone to Cyprus 3 months ago to look for a job. He is a cook and was coming to see us. We had no idea he was coming; he last spoke to us at 10:30. Our daughter asked her father when he would come, and he replied saying he would come. He called my father-in-law and said he would come on September 1st. We had no idea he was coming; he said he could come any time. He was going to come and surprise us, but it wasn't meant to be. He didn't inform any of us when boarding the ferry. I am hopeful; I have a feeling he will call us. He is not among those in the hospital or the deceased. He is being searched for as missing; he boarded the ship but there's no record of him leaving."
"HE WANTED TO SURPRISE US"
Sanem Pancar, who called her father before he boarded the ship, stated that her father did not mention he was coming, saying, "We spoke with my father on August 30th, and he didn't say anything about coming or traveling. We saw it on the news by chance. We called everywhere but couldn't find my father. We are waiting for good news to come. We were planning to meet up in Hatay and spend time together as a family. He wanted to surprise us, but it wasn't meant to be. We are waiting for good news."
Oktay Pancar, who wishes for his brother to return safely, said, "My brother was also on the ship that sank. Our only wish is for my brother to return safely. We trust our state. Hopefully, they will give us good news."