TRNC president says Turkish vessel joining search after deadly ship disaster

TRNC President Tufan Erhurman announced on Monday that a specialized vessel from Türkiye will join search operations on Tuesday following the capsizing of a passenger ship off the coastal city of Girne, as authorities continued efforts to locate missing persons and investigate the causes of Sunday's deadly disaster. Speaking to reporters at the Port of Girne after meeting with families of the victims, Erhurman stated that search and rescue operations have maintained the same intensity since Sunday, including throughout the night.

He noted that the incoming Turkish vessel possesses the capacity to operate at depths of approximately 1,000 meters — significantly expanding the search capabilities in the area.

Fatalities and investigation

Erhurman confirmed that authorities have identified all eight people who died in the incident and have contacted their families, adding that nine individuals have been detained as part of an ongoing investigation. He stressed that authorities are examining each allegation individually to establish all aspects of the incident, emphasizing that the investigation would proceed transparently despite numerous claims emerging in the aftermath.

Ankara coordinates relief efforts

Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Haci Ali Ozel arrived in the TRNC on Sunday evening to coordinate Ankara's response, visiting Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital in Lefkosa where he met injured survivors and their families alongside Turkish Ambassador Ali Murat Basceri and TRNC Health Minister Hakan Dincyurek. "We are ready to provide all forms of support to the TRNC," said Ozel, adding that efforts were continuing to meet the needs of survivors and facilitate their return to Türkiye. The Turkish Embassy has established a crisis desk providing accommodation, essential supplies, and airline tickets to survivors, while issuing temporary travel documents to those who lost identification.