Arikli says he will resign if necessary after ferry sinking off Kyrenia

Kyrenia, Cyprus. The north’s ‘transport minister’ Erhan Arikli said on Monday that he would resign “if necessary” following the sinking of a passenger ferry off Kyrenia, but would wait for the vessel’s black box to be recovered and its findings clarified before deciding on his future.

The ferry capsized shortly after departing the new port of Kyrenia on Sunday, leaving eight people confirmed dead and between 18 and 20 reported missing.

Black box recovery

Arikli told the north’s public broadcaster BRT that he would accept any political responsibility identified after the black box findings are known.

“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 said.

Recovery efforts are due to be carried out on Tuesday, when the Turkish deep-sea search-and-rescue vessel TCG Isin arrives in the area. The vessel departed Canakkale in the Dardanelles on Sunday.

Missing passengers and ferry services

Arikli said the number of missing people was unlikely to rise above the figure of 18 announced on Sunday night. However, sources close to the matter later told the Cyprus Mail that 20 people had been reported missing, with a list of 20 names compiled.

The ferry was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it capsized at around 12.10pm on Sunday, shortly after leaving Kyrenia for the Turkish port of Tasucu.

Arikli also confirmed that all ferry services between Kyrenia and Tasucu had been suspended. Services between Famagusta and Tasucu remain in operation.