3 critical dismissals in TRNC following the ship disaster in Kyrenia

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, three high-level administrators at the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation have been dismissed following the Filo Jet disaster that occurred off the coast of Kyrenia.

According to the decrees published in the 166th special issue of the Official Gazette dated September 4, 2026, the duties of Ministry Undersecretary Enver Öztürk, Ministry Director Mustafa Ambar, and Ports Department Director Emsal Emirzadeoğluları were terminated as of September 5.

According to the report by BugünKıbrıs, the decrees did not include a justification for the dismissal decisions. However, it was noted that the decisions came immediately after the Filo Jet disaster and the dismissal of Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı.

MURAT SALEL APPOINTED AS UNDERSECRETARY

Murat Salel has been appointed to replace Ministry Undersecretary Enver Öztürk. Salel's appointment will also be effective as of September 5. Öztürk had been serving as undersecretary since March 23, 2022.

Ministry Director Mustafa Ambar had started his duties on November 23, 2024, and Ports Department Director Emsal Emirzadeoğluları on June 14, 2024. No new appointment decisions for the Ministry Directorship and the Ports Department Directorship were published in the Official Gazette.

The Filo Jet, which set sail from Kyrenia to Taşucu on August 30, capsized shortly after departure. While the number of those who lost their lives in the disaster has risen to 12, search efforts continue for 16 missing people.

Judicial, administrative, and technical investigations are ongoing regarding the circumstances under which the accident occurred, the technical condition of the ship, the inspection and certification processes, and the conditions under which the voyage was permitted.

The decrees bear the signatures of Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Public Works and Transportation Özdemir Berova, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and President Tufan Erhürman.

News Source: 12punto