Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the search and rescue operations being carried out to locate those missing following the shipwreck off the coast of Kyrenia on September 4, 2026, are being conducted in cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Meeting with Turkey’s Ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Başçeri, Yılmaz received detailed information about the latest developments regarding the incident and ongoing search efforts. He later met with the relatives of those who lost their lives in the accident to express his condolences.
Yılmaz also conveyed his sympathies to TRNC President Tufan Erhürman. President Erhürman expressed gratitude for the support and solidarity provided by Turkey. Yılmaz emphasized the importance of international cooperation, reminding of the responsibilities this process entails.
Search and Rescue Operations
During a joint press conference held with TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel at Ercan Airport, Cevdet Yılmaz noted that the process has been meticulously followed since the initial moment of the accident. He highlighted that the search and rescue operations include 4 vessels from the TRNC Security Forces Command, 3 Coast Guard ships, one helicopter, diving teams, and sonar systems, as well as 8 ships from the Turkish Navy and one helicopter and one UAV from the Air Force supporting the efforts.
Yılmaz indicated that they have reached the wreck of the ship and that detailed imaging and search activities have commenced. He reported that all records of the related institutions are being thoroughly examined along with the details of the accident.
Judicial Inquiries Launched
Yılmaz mentioned that legal, administrative, and technical investigations concerning the circumstances of the accident are ongoing, and Turkey and TRNC authorities are monitoring all processes in collaboration. “Necessary actions are being taken against anyone who is to answer for their actions before the law,” Yılmaz stated, noting that responsibilities concerning the ship’s sailing conditions and other details are being investigated.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel affirmed that Turkey stands by the TRNC under all circumstances, thanking for the support provided to the search and rescue operations. He stressed that inquiries into the details of the accident are being conducted rigorously and that responsible parties will be identified without hesitation.
Additionally, it was stated that all aspects of the accident, including the captain and the company responsible for the ship, are being examined, and that information and documents are being reviewed while technical evaluations are underway. This multifaceted investigation is deemed critically important for ensuring justice.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
