**Title: Anguish Turns to Anger as Families Await News of Missing After Ferry Tragedy**
**Kyrenia, Cyprus** – The search for 20 individuals missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Kyrenia has entered its third day, with emotions running high among the families of those unaccounted for. The situation has escalated into a public outcry, particularly from the family of Mehmet Bayhan, who remains missing.
Ahmet Bayhan, the younger brother of Mehmet, expressed his deep frustration and anger towards the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities as he awaited news at the port of Kyrenia. His emotional response highlighted the growing impatience and desperation among the families of the missing. “They claim that if there is negligence, the necessary steps will be taken. This is not negligence, it is murder. My brother did not die, he was killed. He did not drown, you drowned him. Get that into your heads,” Ahmet shouted, directing his comments towards the Turkish Cypriot security forces stationed nearby.
The incident has raised serious questions regarding the safety protocols and oversight of maritime operations in the region. As families gather at the port, the absence of the north’s transport minister, who did not visit Kyrenia on Monday and had not been seen by midday on Tuesday, has further fueled the anger of those waiting for updates. Ahmet demanded accountability, insisting that the minister must meet with the families directly. “That minister will come here. There will be no resigning without being held accountable,” he stated emphatically.
In response to the mounting pressure, the transport minister, Arikli, had previously stated that he would consider resigning “if necessary.” However, he urged the public to remain patient, emphasizing that the investigation into the tragedy must be allowed to unfold. “I will resign if necessary, but trying to attack someone from the very beginning is unethical. Be patient. Once the black box is found, everyone, including myself, will bear whatever political responsibility there may be,” he remarked during an interview with the north’s public broadcaster BRT.
The search and rescue operation continues, with authorities working to locate the missing individuals and recover the black box from the sunken ferry. The incident has sparked discussions about maritime safety regulations and the need for improved oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the situation develops, the families of the missing remain hopeful yet anxious, grappling with the uncertainty of their loved ones' fate while demanding accountability from those in power.