In a tragic incident following the capsizing of a passenger ship off the coast of Kyrenia, 28-year-old Jandarma Specialist Corporal Fahri Ateş and 33-year-old Gülcan Gürel lost their lives. The bodies of both individuals were laid to rest in their hometown of Mersin on September 3, 2026.
Ateş was attempting to get back on board to retrieve a life buoy after ensuring his wife and son were safe on deck when the ship capsized, trapping him and leading to his untimely death. The accident occurred on August 30, 2026, as the ship was traveling from Kyrenia Port to Taşucu Port in Mersin, leading to this unexpected situation.
The funeral for Ateş was held in the Çerçili Neighborhood of Erdemli, Mersin, following a ceremony. Attendees included his wife Ayça, his father Yüksel, and his mother Kadriye Ateş, along with numerous state officials and citizens. Among those present were Vice Governor Mehmet Ali Özkan, İYİ Party Vice President Burhanettin Kocamaz, and police officials.
During the ceremony, Fahri Ateş’s coffin, draped in the Turkish flag, was met with great sorrow. After the funeral prayers, he was laid to rest amid prayers and remembrances.
Similarly, Gülcan Gürel’s funeral took place in the garden of the City Training and Research Hospital in Mersin following the same tragic incident. Attending the ceremony were Gülcan Gürel’s 9-year-old daughter Tusem and her sister Eda Payam. Gülcan Gürel’s injured father was unable to attend the ceremony as he was receiving treatment in Northern Cyprus.
During the ceremony for Gülcan Gürel, the Quran was recited, and prayers were offered. Her remains were taken to the Güneykent Cemetery in the Toroslar district, where the funeral prayer was conducted.
The deaths of both individuals have plunged the local community into deep sorrow. It has been reported that Gülcan saved her daughter by assisting her with a life jacket. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community’s calls for help and messages of condolences have resonated widely.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
