TRNC Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı dismissed after Girne ferry sinking

September 2, 2026 at 08:44 PM2 min

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TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel dismissed Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı on Tuesday amid an investigation into the capsizing of a passenger ferry off Girne that killed at least 9 people. Arıklı had earlier announced he would ask parliament to lift his immunity and transfer the Ports Department to the prime minister's office. The ferry, carrying 267 people, sank on Sunday while returning to Girne after taking on water.

Key Facts

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel dismissed Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The ferry 'Filo Jet' capsized off Girne on Sunday with 267 passengers and crew aboard; 241 were rescued, 8 bodies were recovered initially, and 19 were reported missing.
Prime Minister Üstel announced on Tuesday that the body of a 50-year-old male passenger was found, raising the confirmed death toll to 9 and leaving 19 missing.
The wreck of the ferry was located at a depth of approximately 550 meters off Girne by the Turkish naval vessel TCG Alemdar.
Minister Arıklı had announced he would request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity and the transfer of the Ports Department to the Prime Minister's Office.

Dismissal of Minister

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced the dismissal of Bayındırlık ve Ulaştırma Bakanı Erhan Arıklı on Tuesday. Üstel stated, "Bu çerçevede Bayındırlık ve Ulaştırma Bakanımız Sayın Erhan Arıklı'yı görevden aldığımı kendisine bildirdim." The dismissal came shortly after Arıklı announced he would request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity to facilitate the investigation. Arıklı also said he would ask for the transfer of the Limanlar Dairesi (Ports Department) from his ministry to the Prime Minister's Office until the investigation concludes.

Ferry Disaster and Casualties

The high-speed passenger ferry 'Filo Jet' departed Girne Port for Taşucu Port in Mersin on Sunday with 267 passengers and crew. Shortly after departure, the vessel began taking on water from the bow and capsized while attempting to return to Girne. Rescue operations saved 241 people, recovered 8 bodies initially, and left 19 missing. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Üstel announced the recovery of another body, a male passenger in his 50s, bringing the confirmed death toll to 9. The body was sent to Lefkoşa Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital for identification, and search efforts continue.

Wreck Location and Search

The wreck of the ferry was located at a depth of approximately 550 meters off Girne. The Turkish naval vessel TCG Alemdar arrived in the area and, using its advanced technology, identified the wreck. TRNC President Tufan Erhürman stated, "Gemiye ulaşıldı. Görüntüleme ve arama çalışmaları 24 saat esasıyla devam ediyor. Aralıksız biçimde devam edecek." Robotic imaging around the wreck is ongoing under all conditions, according to Prime Minister Üstel.