31.08.2026 11:51
Following the shipwreck off the coast of Girne, in which 8 people lost their lives and 18 are still being searched for, condolences have been coming from different countries around the world. However, on the side of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, some individuals' posts containing hatred and joy regarding the deaths have sparked great backlash. UK House of Lords member Meral Hussein Ece reacted to these posts, saying, "This is a human tragedy; it is not an appropriate time for politics and scoring points."
Search and rescue efforts continue regarding the disaster in which 8 people lost their lives and 18 are missing after the sinking of a catamaran-type passenger ship carrying 267 people off the coast of Girne. While condolence messages are coming from the international community, provocative celebratory posts from the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) side have sparked great reaction.
8 PEOPLE DIED, SEARCH CONTINUES FOR 18
The passenger ship belonging to Filo Denizcilik, which departed from Girne to head to Mersin's Taşucu Port and capsized shortly after departure, has plunged the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) into mourning. In the country, where a 3-day national mourning was declared, the bodies of 8 people were reached as a result of efforts continuing through the night, while search activities for the 18 missing passengers continue.
While 3 aircraft, 4 UAVs, 6 helicopters, 4 Coast Guard boats, 1 patrol boat, 1 frigate, and 1 patrol vessel from Turkey are participating in the rescue operation in the region, TRNC local units are also actively working in the field.
Turkish Republic Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hacı Ali Özel and TRNC Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek, who visited the casualties in the hospital, reported that discharge procedures are ongoing and there are no injured with life-threatening conditions. TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı announced that a detailed investigation has been launched by the Police General Directorate regarding the claims that warnings about the ship taking on water were not heeded.
REBELLION FROM BRITISH MP OVER SCANDALOUS COMMENTS IN GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE
BBC's use of the phrase "Northern Cyprus" while reporting the news stirred Greek and Greek Cypriot fanatics into action. Hate speech such as "Damn them," "Let them die," and "Don't be sad, they were all Turks" was shared on social media targeting the accident victims. ELAM member Fivos Kyprianou's statement, "Let's not care about the dead. Come to your senses," became the focus of reactions.
Meral Hussein Ece, a member of the UK Parliament's House of Lords who quoted the provocative posts of Greek Cypriot journalist Harry Theocharous, reacted to the situation with these words:
"8 people lost their lives. 23 people are missing. This is a humanitarian tragedy; it is not an appropriate time for politics or scoring points."
While Greek Cypriot writer Marinos Nomikos rebelled against the inhumane comments with the words "Sewer-minded people. Be ashamed," the statements of another Greek Cypriot citizen drew attention:
"Reptiles, cheering for the deaths of people they never knew. Only because they have a different language, a different religion, born on the 'other' side. Reptiles. Reptiles everywhere."
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Following the disaster, many countries and international institutions issued messages of solidarity:
US Embassy: "The United States Diplomatic Mission to Turkey extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in today's ferry accident. Our thoughts are with all those still missing and affected by this event"
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif: "I learned with deep sorrow of the tragic sinking of a passenger ship in the Mediterranean. I extend my heartfelt condolences to my dear brother, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, and to the grieving families of those who lost their lives. We pray for the swift and safe rescue of those still missing and commend the courageous search and rescue efforts underway. The people of Pakistan stand in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Türkiye during these difficult and painful days"
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand: "My thoughts are with the grieving families and loved ones, and with all those affected by this devastating event. Canada offers its condolences to the people of Türkiye during this difficult time"
European Commission Representation in Cyprus: Expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and stated they hope for positive news regarding the injured and missing.
Russian Embassy in Ankara: Stating that they received the news of the accident with deep sorrow, they said, "We hope that the missing persons will be rescued safely as soon as possible. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured and extend our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives."