The press conference of TRNC President Erhürman was interrupted by the cries of a grieving mother.

01.09.2026 19:00

The press conference where TRNC President Tufan Erhürman provided information on the latest situation regarding the ferry disaster in which 8 people died and 20 disappeared was interrupted by the cries of a mother waiting for news of her child. The woman, who was following the meeting and had been waiting for news of her missing child for 3 days, called out to Erhürman, 'Where is my child? Why are you making statements on television? Come to me, to me. Don't make a show of it.'

During a press conference where Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhürman announced the latest developments regarding the ferry disaster that killed 8 people and left 20 missing, the cries of a mother waiting for news of her missing child were heart-wrenching.

THE FERRY BEGAN TAKING ON WATER SHORTLY AFTER

The high-speed passenger ship named "Filo Jet," operating between Girne Port in the TRNC and Taşucu Port in Mersin, departed from Girne at midday on Sunday. It was reported that the ship began taking on water from its front section shortly after departure.

Attempting to return to Girne Port, the ship capsized within a short time. In the disaster, 241 people were rescued alive, while the lifeless bodies of 8 people were found. Search and rescue efforts were initiated for the 20 missing people.

ROBOTIC DIVE TO OBJECT AT 550 METERS DEPTH

While search operations were ongoing, TRNC President Tufan Erhürman made statements regarding the latest status of the disaster.

TRNC President Erhürman's statement on ferry disaster

Stating that an object was detected at approximately 550 meters depth on the seabed, Erhürman said it is assessed that the object in question could be the sunken ship.

Erhürman noted that the operations are being carried out with extreme technical precision and sensitivity, and therefore the process is progressing slowly.

"It is assessed to be the sunken ship. The work is something that is carried out with great technicality and sensitivity. Therefore, it is progressing slowly. Because it is slow, achieving results in a very short time can be difficult."

Search and rescue operations for ferry disaster

THE STATEMENT WAS INTERRUPTED BY THE GRIEVING MOTHER'S CRIES

During the press conference, a mother waiting for news of her missing child suffered a nervous breakdown. Interrupting President Erhürman's speech, the mother reacted by saying, "Where is my child?"

The grieving mother demanded that officials come to the families instead of making statements in front of the television.

"Where is my child? Why are you making statements on television? Come to me, to me. Don't do publicity."

Grieving mother crying during press conference

"YOU ARE DOING COSMETIC WORK"

Continuing her anger, the mother directly reacted to Erhürman, asking whether her child had been found.

"You need to come and explain to me, not in front of the television. Has my child come out? Has he? Because you're not doing it. You're doing cosmetic work."

Erhürman, however, listened to the mother without interrupting her. Stating that he had been with the families in the morning hours, Erhürman responded, "I will come to you again. I understand your anger."