02.09.2026 19:00
The ship disaster, which capsized after leaving Kyrenia Port and killed 9 people, has burned one person in the TRNC. TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı was dismissed from his post.
Three days have passed since the ship disaster that occurred off the coast of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday. The catamaran-type vessel belonging to Filo Denizcilik capsized shortly after leaving the port, becoming a grave for 9 people, while the body of one of the 20 missing people has been found.
DISMISSED FROM DUTY AFTER THE SHIP DISASTER
While search and rescue efforts continue, a notable development took place in the TRNC government. TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı was dismissed from his post.
On the other hand, Erhan Arıklı made a statement shortly before his dismissal. In his statement titled "A necessary explanation," Arıklı stated that the accident investigation team assigned by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure had come to the TRNC for investigation and examination purposes. Announcing that they would take steps regarding the Ports Department to ensure the investigation is conducted healthily and independently, Arıklı said, "For the sake of the investigation, we will apply to the Prime Ministry tomorrow to have our Ports Department transferred from our ministry to the Prime Ministry until the investigation is concluded."
"I WILL REQUEST THE REMOVAL OF MY IMMUNITY"
Stating that if he has any legal or judicial responsibility in the ship accident, there should be no obstacles before the judicial authorities, Arıklı announced that he would apply to the Assembly of the Republic. Arıklı said, "If we have any legal and judicial responsibility in the ship accident, I will apply to the Assembly of the Republic tomorrow and request the removal of my immunity so that the judicial authorities can act freely on this matter and, if necessary, my statement can be taken and brought to trial."
Arıklı also stated that he would request that his request for the removal of immunity be discussed at the first extraordinary session of the Assembly of the Republic. Arıklı announced that following his decision, the Party Assembly meeting planned to be held tomorrow with the agenda of "withdrawal from the government" had also been postponed to a later date.