Fifteenth body from Kyrenia ferry disaster identified as Mehmet Bayhan amid ongoing rescue efforts
The fifteenth body recovered from the ferry wreck off Kyrenia has been identified as Mehmet Bayhan, confirmed by Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel. Recovery teams have been working tirelessly since the August 30 disaster, with the number of missing persons now at 13. This is the first body to be found in nearly two weeks, coinciding with the arrival of the deep-sea research vessel Optimus Prime, commissioned to aid the search alongside two Turkish naval ships.
Bayhan's brother voiced anger toward authorities, alleging negligence in the tragedy, which claimed 267 lives aboard the ferry traveling from Kyrenia to Tasucu. All eight crew members and a company director remain in custody. Investigations revealed the ferry had suffered a crack months earlier, with only superficial repairs made. Questions have been raised about the captain's license, with reports indicating it was purchased after an extended lapse in maritime service.
Authorities continue to prioritize identification and recovery efforts despite increasingly challenging underwater conditions. The tragedy has been described as one of the greatest seen in Cyprus since 1974, highlighting ongoing concerns about maritime safety and accountability.
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