Akinci links Kyrenia ferry disaster to Cyprus solution and EU integration

Kyrenia, Cyprus. Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said the sinking of a passenger ferry off the coast of Kyrenia may not have occurred if the Cyprus problem had been resolved and northern Cyprus had been integrated into the European Union.

He said the rising number of missing people demonstrated a lack of preparedness, while calling for accountability and lessons to prevent future tragedies.

Concerns over response and regulation

Akinci said he had wanted to observe developments for several days before intervening. He noted that, while the number of missing people normally decreases over time in such situations, the official figure in this case rose from 17 on Sunday afternoon to 20 by Monday evening.

“This fact alone is enough to demonstrate just how unprepared we are for such situations. These are not merely figures, they are human lives,” he said.

He said issues including the condition of the sunken vessel, the captain’s qualifications, the number of life jackets, the adequacy of inspections and the responsibilities of politicians were being debated.

Call for solution and EU membership

Akinci said these matters should be discussed, accountability ensured and lessons learned to prevent future tragedies.

He added that he had questioned whether the disaster would have happened if Cyprus had achieved a solution and been integrated into the EU and the international legal framework.

“Throughout my political career, my fundamental goal while striving for a solution, EU integration, and adherence to international law was for our society to live within an order governed by rules,” he said.

Akinci said asking whether the boat could have operated under EU membership could offer guidance for the future. Despite the challenges, he said the primary objective should remain a solution in Cyprus and EU membership.

He offered condolences to the families of those who died.

Search operations continue

Eight people have been confirmed dead following the ferry’s sinking shortly after midday on Sunday, while 20 others remain officially missing.

Search and rescue operations continued on Tuesday, with aerial and maritime assets deployed to the area, including the Turkish deep-sea research vessel TCG Isin.