Kyrenia: Turkish Cypriot authorities have detained the captain and seven crew members as part of an investigation into the capsizing of a passenger ship off Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Unal Ustel said on Sunday. In a written statement, Ustel emphasized that all available resources had been mobilized to locate those still missing after the vessel capsized.

According to Anadolu Agency, the initial response to the incident involved a comprehensive deployment of rescue resources, including four Coast Guard boats, two helicopters, a patrol vessel, and an assault boat from the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces. Additionally, diving teams from the Civil Defense Organization and police, accompanied by four search-and-rescue boats, were dispatched to the scene.

The search-and-rescue capacity was subsequently reinforced, Ustel stated, noting that two aircraft, four helicopters, four unmanned aerial vehicles, and four Coast Guard boats from the Turkish Armed Forces are currently active in the operation. Ustel stressed that search-and-rescue efforts would continue uninterrupted until the missing individuals are found. An investigation, launched immediately following the incident, is ongoing.

Describing the event as 'the biggest maritime disaster Cyprus has experienced,' Ustel remarked, "The ship's captain and seven crew members have been detained as part of the investigation into the capsizing." He assured that the incident would be thoroughly examined and any negligence would be uncovered, holding those responsible accountable.

Ustel reiterated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Trkiye had mobilized all available resources for the operation, expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.