Scuffles at Kyrenia port as families seek news of missing ferry passengers

Kyrenia, Cyprus. Scuffles broke out at the new port of Kyrenia on Tuesday morning between police and families of 20 people who remained unaccounted for two days after a passenger ferry sank off Cyprus’ northern coast.

Turkish ambassador in Nicosia Ali Murat Basceri returned to the port, where relatives had gathered for a third consecutive day awaiting news of their loved ones.

Protest outside crisis desk

Basceri had been booed by families on Monday as he left the port’s crisis desk, which was established in an adjacent building belonging to the Turkish Cypriot security forces.

His return on Tuesday prompted further protests. One man stood in front of the security forces building’s entrance gate and demanded that Basceri leave his vehicle to speak directly with those waiting.

Police removed the man from the road, after which other family members joined him. Additional officers moved in as the crowd gathered outside the gate grew.

Police clear route for vehicles

Officers eventually created enough space for Basceri’s car to pass through the security gate. The scuffle continued briefly afterwards as family members attempted to reach him.

Shortly afterwards, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman arrived at the port. Police formed a line in front of the gate before his vehicle arrived.

Erhurman received a mixed response from those gathered, with some applause accompanied by boos from other members of the crowd.