Turkish Cypriot PM: Wreck of Missing Cruise Ship Found
Turkish Cypriot authorities have located the wreck of a missing cruise ship, while the government’s junior coalition partner has quit following a minister’s dismissal.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced on Monday that the wreck of the missing cruise ship has been found, following an extensive search operation [234122]. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office confirmed the discovery, with officials now working to assess the site and determine next steps [234122]. “We expect the work to reach a certain point by this evening,” said Ünal Ünsal, who is involved in the operation [234122].
The announcement comes amid a political shake-up in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Üstel confirmed that Erhan Arıklı, leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP), has been removed from his post as Minister of Public Works and Transport [234096]. Üstel said Arıklı was dismissed “for the sake of the integrity of the investigation and to ease the public conscience” [234096]. Shortly after the announcement, the YDP confirmed it was pulling out of the ruling coalition, leaving the government without its junior partner [234096].
The developments follow the suspension of port officials in Girne who permitted a ship to depart, as an official investigation into the recent incident gets underway [231649]. Üstel stated that negligence and responsibilities will be examined thoroughly, emphasizing that no oversight will be covered up [231649]. A Turkish Cypriot politician, Akansoy of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), argued the shipwreck near Kyrenia reflects deeper systemic issues, including weak regulatory control and failures in public administration [232883].