Following the capsizing of the passenger vessel FİLO JET off the coast of Kyrenia on August 30, a tragic incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals who were honored with funeral ceremonies across different cities in Turkey. The victims were Reyhan Verim, Nihat Balyemez, and Hüseyin Özdemir.
The funeral prayer for Reyhan Verim was held at the City Cemetery in the Toroslar district of Mersin, her hometown. Officials, including Mersin Governor Atilla Toros and CHP Mersin Deputy Gülcan Kış, attended the ceremony, along with numerous citizens. Additionally, Verim’s sister, Seyran Kahveci, who survived the accident, and her cousins were present at the funeral, bidding a tearful farewell.
Seyran Kahveci shared her harrowing experience during the panic on the ship, stating that the crew left them behind as the ship started taking on water, forcing them to escape on their own. Grieving the loss of her sister, Kahveci expressed her heartbreak by saying, “I lost my sister.”
Nihat Balyemez Laid to Rest in Gaziantep
A funeral ceremony was held for another victim, 56-year-old Nihat Balyemez, in Gaziantep. His remains were transported to the Bahattin Nakıpoğlu Mosque. Family members and officials, including Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, attended the funeral prayer, after which Balyemez was buried at the Asri Cemetery.
Balyemez’s friend, Mehmet Tuga, recounted that shortly after the ship set sail, it started taking on water. He noted that Balyemez had put on a life jacket and was struck on the head during the chaos, which likely contributed to his death.
Hüseyin Özdemir Laid to Rest in Silifke
Lastly, Hüseyin Özdemir was buried in Nuru Mahallesi of Silifke, Mersin. The ceremony was attended by Mersin Governor Atilla Toros and Silifke Mayor Oğuzhan Kökten. Özdemir’s family, particularly his wife and children, felt profound grief during the service.
It was reported that Özdemir’s wife, two daughters, and son-in-law survived the incident, but he was missing. The family boarded the ship to travel to Northern Cyprus for a wedding. This tragic event has caused deep sorrow not only for the families involved but also for many others in the community.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
