TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar search for 18 missing people at a depth of 550 m off Girne

Turkish Navy rescue vessels TCG Işın and TCG Alemdar continue round-the-clock robotic dives and seabed scanning at a depth of 550 m off Girne, where the Filo Jet passenger catamaran sank on 30 August. The operation aims to find 18 missing people and recover the vessel’s voyage data recorder.

Of the 20 people reported missing, the bodies of two have been recovered so far. The vessel’s wreckage was discovered on Wednesday after TCG Işın surveyed the crash site.

TCG Işın is a rescue vessel equipped with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that can operate at depths of up to 1,000 m and lift loads weighing up to 135 kg. Side-scan sonar and a multibeam scanning system are being used to image the seabed, while the dynamic positioning system keeps the vessel in place without an anchor. The crew consists of 60 people, including 15 first-class divers.

TCG Alemdar joined the operation later. The 4,200-tonne vessel is equipped with a helipad. Dives and scanning are being carried out around the clock.

The Filo Jet catamaran sank off Girne on 30 August. Following the accident, the prime minister of the TRNC dismissed the transport minister. Nine suspects are involved in the case, and the court has extended their detention.