**Title: Investigation Underway Following Kyrenia Ferry Tragedy: Questions Arise Over Captain's Credentials and Vessel Safety**
**Kyrenia, Cyprus** – Following the tragic sinking of a ferry off the coast of Kyrenia that resulted in at least eight confirmed fatalities, serious concerns have emerged regarding the legitimacy of the captain's maritime licence and the vessel's safety certification.
On Sunday, the ferry capsized shortly after departing from the new port of Kyrenia, bound for the Turkish port of Tasucu. As rescue operations continue, with 20 individuals reported missing, scrutiny has intensified around the qualifications of the ferry's captain and the seaworthiness of the boat.
On Monday, a document purportedly showing the captain's licence circulated on social media, claiming it was issued by the Republic of Mozambique. However, this document has since been revealed to be generated by artificial intelligence. In response to the circulating misinformation, Erhan Arikli, the Turkish Cypriot 'transport minister,' released a different document, asserting that the captain, identified as 67-year-old Mustafa Oz, holds a valid licence issued by the Republic of Honduras. This Honduran licence is reportedly valid until 2029, having been issued on October 30, 2024. However, the quality of the photograph shared by Arikli obscures many details, leaving room for further questions.
The Cyprus Mail has reached out to the Republic of Honduras' Directorate-General of Merchant Maritime for verification of the captain's credentials and is awaiting a response.
In addition to the captain's qualifications, the ferry's certificate of seaworthiness has also come under scrutiny. Issued in June by Turk Loydu, an Istanbul-based ship classification firm, the certificate claims validity until 2029. However, discrepancies have surfaced as Turk Loydu's online database lists the certificate as "invalid." It remains unclear whether this invalidation occurred prior to or after the ferry's sinking. The Cyprus Mail has contacted Turk Loydu for clarification and is currently awaiting their response.
Reports from the newspaper Yeniduzen indicate that the ferry had undergone repairs in Greece within the last few years. Turkish maritime engineer Erdal Kilic commented on the vessel's condition, stating, “I know the boat was damaged twice and both times it was repaired by people who were not qualified at all.” This raises further concerns about the safety protocols followed during the ferry's maintenance.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the Turkish Cypriot authorities have confirmed the deaths of eight individuals, while the fate of the remaining 20 people remains uncertain. The Turkish deep-sea search-and-rescue vessel TCG Isin has been deployed to assist in the recovery efforts, which are expected to intensify in the coming hours.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about maritime safety regulations and the enforcement of qualifications for maritime personnel in the region. As investigations unfold, authorities are under pressure to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to ensure accountability for any lapses in safety standards.
The community in Kyrenia is mourning the loss of life, and calls for transparency and thorough investigation into the incident are growing louder. As more information becomes available, the focus will remain on understanding the factors that led to this devastating event and preventing future tragedies at sea.