Twelve dead following catastrophic shipwreck off Kyrenia

Following the sinking of the passenger ship 'Filo Jet' off the coast of Kyrenia last Sunday, the death toll has risen to 12. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with 16 passengers still reported missing. Turkish naval vessels, including the TCG Isin and TCG Alemdar, are utilizing advanced underwater technology to navigate the wreck located at a depth of 550 meters, where many victims are feared trapped.

In the wake of the tragedy, political instability has emerged in the unrecognized state. Prime Minister Unal Ustel dismissed Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arikli to ensure the independence of the ongoing investigation. Shortly after his dismissal, Arikli's party, the Rebirth Party (YDP), announced its withdrawal from the governing coalition.

Before his removal, Arikli had pledged to request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity to facilitate legal scrutiny. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation will be conducted with transparency, promising that anyone found responsible for negligence or oversight will be held accountable. Families of the missing continue to wait at the Kyrenia port for updates as search efforts intensify with the deployment of aircraft and additional maritime resources.