TRNC Prime Minister Üstel: DNA samples have begun to be collected from relatives of the missing

Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ünal Üstel announced that efforts to locate missing persons are ongoing following the maritime accident that occurred off the coast of Kyrenia. Üstel reported that search operations conducted underwater are continuing without interruption.

In a written statement, Üstel noted that in addition to visual identification and other methods, DNA analysis will be utilized to ensure the identities of any recovered remains are determined in the most accurate and definitive manner.

Üstel stated, "The collection of DNA samples from the relatives of our missing persons by our Ministry of Health began today. The collected samples will be used in the identification process of any remains that are recovered."

Emphasizing that the goal is to conduct identifications using scientific data, Üstel said, "Our aim is to provide accurate information to their families by identifying each of our people through scientific and definitive data."

Thanking the relatives of the missing for their cooperation with authorities despite their pain, Üstel noted that the state will continue its efforts with all available resources to reach the missing persons and carry out identification procedures reliably.

News Source: 12punto