**Title: Families of Missing Kyrenia Ferry Passengers Meet Turkish Vice President in Nicosia**
A small group of relatives of the 19 individuals still unaccounted for following the tragic sinking of a ferry off the coast of Kyrenia were transported to Nicosia on Thursday afternoon to meet with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz. This meeting comes five days after the ferry disaster, which has left families anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones.
Yilmaz arrived at Ercan (Tymbou) airport in northern Cyprus shortly before the buses carrying the families reached the new port of Kyrenia. Initially, there were plans for him to visit the port directly, where many families have gathered in hopes of receiving news about the missing passengers. However, the decision was made to bring a select number of relatives to the Turkish embassy in Nicosia instead.
Approximately 25 family members boarded the bus, with authorities ensuring that at least one representative from each of the 19 missing persons was included in the group. This effort underscored the importance of providing support and communication to those affected by the tragedy.
At the embassy, Yilmaz was expected to meet with Turkish Ambassador in Nicosia, Ali Murat Basceri, before proceeding to visit Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman at his official residence later that day. The meetings are likely to focus on the ongoing rescue efforts and the support being provided to the families during this difficult time.
The ferry, which had set sail from Kyrenia towards the Turkish port of Tasucu, capsized shortly after departure on Sunday afternoon. At the time of the incident, there were 259 passengers and eight crew members on board. As of now, nine fatalities have been confirmed, with rescue operations still underway to locate the missing individuals.
In the aftermath of the sinking, the ferry's captain, Mustafa Oz, along with eight other crew members, has been taken into custody as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident continue. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the details of the incident, which has deeply impacted the local community and beyond.
As families continue to wait for news, the emotional toll of the tragedy is palpable. The meeting with Vice President Yilmaz offers a glimmer of hope for those affected, as they seek answers and support during this harrowing time.