Üstel: New vessel to begin search for those missing from the Filo Jet ferry on September 14

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that a new search vessel would arrive at the site of the Filo Jet ferry’s sinking off Girne at around 20:00 on September 13 and begin operations on September 14.

The vessel is equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system and an underwater robot designed to operate at depths of up to 1,000 m. The device has manipulators, hydraulic cutters, high-resolution cameras, a scanning sonar and a USBL underwater positioning system. “With the technical capabilities of the new vessel, we expect to reach the internal compartments of the sunken vessel at a depth of 554 m and reach our missing people,” Üstel said.

The Filo Jet sank on August 30 on the Girne–Taşucu route. A total of 28 people were reported missing; the bodies of 14 have been recovered, while 14 are still being searched for. The search is continuing around the clock—from the air, sea and land.

So far, the operation has involved the Turkish Navy vessels TCG IŞIN and TCG ALEMDAR, as well as aircraft, helicopters and drones, along with remotely operated underwater vehicles. According to Üstel, following talks in Ankara, a company specializing in deep-sea operations has joined the effort.

The TRNC Assembly has established a five-member parliamentary investigation committee to examine the causes of the sinking, how permits were issued, how oversight was conducted and whether there was negligence.