Search-and-rescue operations are continuing for 20 people who remain missing after a passenger vessel capsized Sunday off the coast of Girne (Kyrenia) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The operation off Girne is being conducted with one aircraft, five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), seven helicopters, eight vessels and nine boats, according to information obtained.
SAT commandos from Türkiye and diving teams from the Turkish Naval Forces are also taking part in the search efforts.
The TCG Işın, a domestically built Turkish Naval Forces rescue and salvage vessel capable of conducting search and rescue operations at depths of up to 1 kilometer (0.62 miles), is coordinating underwater operations at the site where the vessel sank.
The wreckage is located at a depth of 514 meters (1,686 feet). TCG Işın is expected to deploy a remotely operated underwater vehicle and personnel wearing pressure-resistant suits to reach and search the wreckage.
The arrival of TCG Işın in the area has increased hopes of locating the missing passengers and recovering the vessel’s black box.
The high-speed passenger vessel Filo Jet, which operates between Girne Port in the TRNC and Taşucu Port in Silifke district of Mersin province, southern Türkiye, began taking on water from its bow shortly after departing Girne around noon Sunday.
The vessel capsized as it attempted to return to Girne Port. A total of 241 people were rescued, while the bodies of eight people were recovered. Search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate the 20 people who remain missing.
