Search for those missing off Kyrenia continues: TCG IŞIN leaves for refuelling

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that the search for those missing after the maritime disaster off Kyrenia is continuing without interruption: the Turkish Navy vessel TCG ALEMDAR is operating in the area of the accident, while TCG IŞIN has temporarily left the operation zone for refuelling and will return to the search as soon as refuelling is complete.

According to the prime minister, both vessels have the technical capabilities to operate at great depths. When the vessels require fuel, maintenance or other support, they will take turns — ensuring that search operations continue without interruption.

Üstel stressed separately that this is not a suspension of the search, but rather an intensification of it. Today, reports on the possible involvement of private companies with advanced deep-sea search and rescue capabilities are being assessed in Istanbul. The government, he said, will deploy all available resources to find those missing, while the search is being conducted seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

The Filo Jet ferry sank off Kyrenia, and the search has entered its ninth day. It was previously reported that the wreckage lies at a depth of 554 m, and that specialists from Turkey with experience in deep-sea operations have been brought in to take part in the work.