**Title: Names Released of Victims from Kyrenia Ferry Tragedy**
The tragic sinking of a ferry off the coast of Kyrenia has resulted in the confirmed deaths of eight individuals, with an additional 20 people still missing. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by Oguzhan Hasipoglu, the Turkish Cypriot ‘labour minister.’
The ferry, which was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, capsized shortly after departing from the new port of Kyrenia around 12:10 PM on Sunday. The vessel was en route to the Turkish port of Tasucu when the incident occurred.
The eight deceased have been identified as Turkish nationals: Nihat Balyemez, Huseyin Ozdemir, Nuray Zeytun, Fahri Ates, Gulcan Gurel, Reyhan Verim, Nisa Torer, and Nurcan Hilaloglu. Their families have been informed, and the community is mourning their loss.
Among the 20 individuals still unaccounted for, two are reported to be Cypriots: Suleyman Erdogan and Ismail Kurt. The remaining 18 missing persons are also Turkish nationals, whose names have been released as follows: Ferdi Torer, Mustafa Demir, Mahmut Demir, Ozgur Gonul, Anni Azel Hilaloglu, Serif Ozdemir, Saliha Miray Bicer, Mehmet Asaf Bicer, Orhan Bekret, Nazmiye Ozbolat, Elmas Demir, Yulia Ozcan, Ayhan Ozcan, Elife Bayir, Nihat Pancar, Mustafa Kemal Yarali, Mehmet Bayhan, and Mehmet Nur Ayran.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the missing individuals. The incident has raised concerns regarding maritime safety and the protocols in place for passenger ferries operating in the region.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, support services are being mobilized for the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.