Search and rescue operations continued for a fourth day off Kyrenia on Wednesday following the capsizing and sinking of the passenger vessel FILO JET.
The death toll has so far reached eight, while searches for 20 missing people are continuing by air, sea and underwater.
Military vessels and boats, aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot “administration” are participating in the operation.
The Turkish Navy’s TCG Işın has also been operating in the area since Tuesday, searching the location where the wreck is believed to be.
Possible wreck located at 550 metres
Using underwater imaging systems, authorities detected an object at a depth of approximately 550 metres that is believed to be the FILO JET.
According to the Turkish Cypriot leader, efforts to definitively identify the object continued throughout the night, with operations at such a depth requiring a high degree of precision.
Once the wreck is identified, a detailed inspection around and on the vessel is expected to be carried out using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV).
The TCG Alemdar, a Turkish Navy submarine rescue support vessel equipped with an ROV, sonar and specialised equipment for deep-sea operations, is also expected to join the search on Wednesday.
Turkish experts to join investigation
Six experts from Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure are expected to arrive in the occupied areas on Wednesday to participate in the investigation into the causes of the maritime tragedy.
Meanwhile, relatives of those still missing continue to gather outside Kyrenia port awaiting updates. Tensions were reported at the site on Tuesday.
Of the 19 injured people taken to hospitals following the shipwreck, 13 have since been discharged.
Also read: Kyrenia shipwreck: Remotely operated vehicle deployed for search
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