14.06.2026 20:10
AFAD personnel Ömer Faruk Özkan, who was martyred when the robot used in search and rescue operations overturned in Rize, was laid to rest in his hometown of Bolu. The grieving father Şükrü Özkan, who led the funeral prayer with great composure, said "My duty is to be patient," while the laments of Özkan's wife, who embraced the coffin with their 10-month-old baby, deeply moved hearts.
AFAD personnel Ömer Faruk Özkan, who lost his life when a boat capsized while searching for a missing citizen in the Fırtına Stream in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, was laid to rest in his hometown of Bolu. The funeral prayer of the heroic AFAD worker was led by his father, an imam, and tears flowed like a river during the ceremony.
LIFE-AND-DEATH DRAMA IN FIRTINA STREAM
The tragic incident occurred yesterday in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize. The boat carrying AFAD personnel Ömer Faruk Özkan, who was participating in search and rescue efforts for a missing citizen in the Fırtına Stream, capsized due to the strong current. Swept away by the raging waters, Özkan could not be saved despite all efforts by his colleagues and became a martyr.
"WAIT FOR US THERE"
A large funeral ceremony was held for the martyr in his hometown of Bolu during the afternoon prayer, with the participation of military and civilian officials. At the ceremony, the cries of Kübra Hafsa Özkan, who embraced her husband's coffin wrapped in the Turkish flag with her 10-month-old baby, deeply moved everyone. The grieving wife said at the coffin:
"I am proud to have been your wife, proud to have been the mother of your son. I am proud of you. Hopefully, we too will reach that rank. Wait for us there," bidding farewell to her husband.
"PATIENCE IS MY DUTY"
Ömer Faruk Özkan's funeral prayer was led by his father, Şükrü Özkan, who displayed great composure. The grieving father, asking for forgiveness from the congregation, said in his speech, taking refuge in verses:
"At this moment when tongues are silent and words mean nothing, the Creator says, 'We will test you by taking away from your children; give good news to those who are patient.' My duty is patience. We accept everything that comes from Allah."
After the funeral prayer, the heroic AFAD personnel was laid to rest in Hamzaköy Cemetery with prayers and tears. Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydın, members of parliament, military personnel, and many citizens attended the ceremony to share the family's grief.