Sucuoğlu: Finding the Last Missing Person in Ship Disaster Appears Unlikely

Public Works and Transport Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu appeared on “Sabah Postası”, a programme broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV and hosted and presented by Gökhan Altıner.

Sucuoğlu made statements on the likelihood of finding the last person missing after the ship disaster in Kyrenia, the safety of the Ada 74 vessel, the resumption of air cargo services and efforts to resolve problems in truck transportation. He stressed that the Ada 74 would not be allowed to sail as long as his government remained in office, while noting that capacity in truck transportation had been increased and supply problems were beginning to be resolved.

“IT DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE TO FIND ANOTHER ONE OF OUR CITIZENS”

Commenting on the last person still missing following the ship disaster in Kyrenia, Sucuoğlu said search operations were being conducted under extremely difficult conditions.

He said the last person recovered had been located at a depth of approximately 650 metres, adding that the geographical structure of the seabed, which suddenly plunges to a depth of 1,000 metres, had made the search more difficult.

Noting that the underwater robot used in the search had carried out significant exploration work, Sucuoğlu said the currents had swept people away from the vessel during its sinking.

He said search teams had located some of the missing people by calculating the direction in which the ship sank, the strength of the currents and the distance they may have been carried. Sucuoğlu added that recovering the person found at a depth of 650 metres had set a record in Turkey and was among only a handful of such operations worldwide.

Stating that finding the last missing person appeared unlikely, Sucuoğlu said: “There is one child left, and it does not seem possible to find him either. The assumption is that the current swept him into the abyss. It is very sad, and particularly heartbreaking for the family.”

Sucuoğlu said he visited the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster almost every day, noting that their greatest wish was for their loved ones to be found so they could have a grave where they could pray for them.

He offered his condolences to the families and wished them patience.

“THE ADA 74 WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE AS LONG AS WE REMAIN IN OFFICE”

Addressing the condition of the Ada 74, Sucuoğlu said the vessel was badly worn out and was incapable of travelling more than 20 kilometres.

Emphasising that the ship would absolutely not be allowed to sail for as long as his government remained in office, Sucuoğlu said: “As long as we are in office, this ship will not be allowed to move even one millimetre. This vessel has serious problems. Therefore, it can only go to Mersin somehow. It will go empty, with its captain. Whatever happens there is no concern of ours. It will not return either.”

Sucuoğlu said they had received information that the vessel had previously made a voyage, noting that this may have taken place before his term in office. He said he would examine the relevant documents and that necessary action would be taken if such a voyage was confirmed.

Stressing that there would be no compromise on maritime safety, Sucuoğlu said: “This is no joking matter. We have experienced the painful consequences ourselves. What would happen if this ship sank together with the trucks? There can be no favours or personal considerations.”

FINAL STAGE REACHED FOR RESUMPTION OF AIR CARGO SERVICES

Sucuoğlu also said air cargo transportation had been unavailable for a long time, recalling that Turkish Airlines had suspended cargo services to Cyprus on security grounds.

He said the necessary arrangements had been made to resolve the problem and that staff had received training. Cargo services would resume once the inspection process was completed, he added.

PROBLEM IN TRUCK TRANSPORTATION RESOLVED

Sucuoğlu said the problems that emerged in maritime transportation following the ship accident in Kyrenia had seriously affected businesses involved in truck transportation and their families, adding that intensive efforts had been made to address the situation.

Noting that approximately 380 trucks had been waiting in Mersin because of the disruption, Sucuoğlu announced that daily transportation capacity had reached 380 trucks as of last week.

He said work was being carried out in coordination with Turkey to bring additional vessels into service. Currently, five or six Ro-Ro vessels were transporting trucks, and another vessel with a capacity of 80 trucks was expected to join the fleet next week.

Sucuoğlu said he did not expect further problems in truck transportation for some time, adding: “There will be no more difficulties in truck transportation for a while. There will be no waiting.”

DISRUPTIONS IN SUPPLY ARE BEING RESOLVED

Emphasising that maritime transportation was vital for supplying basic necessities because Cyprus is an island, Sucuoğlu said disruptions to shipping services had negatively affected the supply of many products, particularly fruit and vegetables.

He said some products had spoiled and businesses had lost distributorships because of the difficulties, which lasted approximately seven to 10 days. However, he added that these problems were also beginning to be resolved as transportation services returned to normal.

Saying he had been particularly affected by the difficulties faced by young people who made their living through truck transportation, Sucuoğlu expressed satisfaction that the problem had been resolved.

“People are once again able to put bread on the table for their families. These are the difficult aspects of the job, but it is also rewarding when things turn out well in the end,” he said.