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Families of ferry missing moved from port entrance, move back

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-01

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Families of missing ferry passengers at Kyrenia Port faced turmoil as they were briefly relocated from the entrance, only to return due to inadequate accommodations and heightened tensions during a visit from the Turkish ambassador. • Why it matters: The emotional distress of the families is compounded by frustrations over the lack of proper support and communication from authorities, highlighting the challenges they face while searching for their loved ones. • What to watch next: The ongoing search for the missing individuals continues, and families are expected to demand greater transparency and assistance from officials as they seek answers and closure.

**Title: Families of Missing Ferry Passengers Experience Turmoil at Kyrenia Port**

The families of individuals who remain unaccounted for following the recent sinking of a ferry off the coast of Kyrenia faced a tumultuous day at the new port on Tuesday. Initially, they were relocated from the entrance of the port to a designated area, only to return shortly after due to dissatisfaction with the conditions provided.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dursun Oguz, the north's 'interior minister,' addressed the families gathered at the port. He informed them that a "room" had been arranged for their comfort, intended to provide relief from the oppressive heat. However, during his remarks, Oguz mistakenly referred to the 20 missing individuals as "corpses," which incited anger among the families present. He quickly corrected his statement, subsequently referring to the missing individuals as "brothers," but the initial gaffe had already heightened tensions.

Following Oguz's announcement, the families relocated to an area near the ferry passenger terminal. However, they soon discovered that the promised accommodations were inadequate, with tents set up in front of a building rather than the air-conditioned room they had hoped for. Frustration mounted as one family member expressed dissatisfaction, exclaiming, "I was promised a room with air conditioning, and I am still outside in the heat as I was before!"

The situation escalated further when tensions flared earlier in the day during the arrival of Turkish ambassador to Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri. A scuffle reportedly broke out between some family members and police, leading to speculation that authorities sought to move the families away from the entrance due to the heightened emotions surrounding the ambassador's visit.

In response to the growing unrest, many family members chose to return to the port's entrance where they had initially gathered. Some even commandeered a bus parked outside the passenger terminal, requesting the driver to take them back to their original location. Upon their return, they found that workers from the Turkish Cypriot Kyrenia municipality were in the process of removing tables, chairs, and tents that had been provided for their use.

Despite the initial disruption, the workers promptly returned the furniture to its previous location, and the nearby Lord’s Palace hotel contributed additional chairs to accommodate the families at the entrance.

The ongoing search for the missing ferry passengers continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of their loved ones, who remain steadfast in their pursuit of answers and support during this difficult time. The emotional toll of the situation has been compounded by the challenges faced at the port, as families navigate their grief amidst logistical frustrations.

As the search operations proceed, the families are calling for transparency and assistance from authorities, hoping for a resolution that will bring closure to their harrowing ordeal.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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