Another search, rescue vessel to join efforts to find those missing from capsized ship off TRNC

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Unal Ustel said Wednesday that another technically equipped vessel will be sent to the region to join efforts to find those missing from a passenger ship off the coastal city of Girne (Kyrenia).

Ustel said search operations to locate the missing passengers were continuing without interruption.

"The TCG Isin continues its search operations in the accident area with its entire crew. The TCG Alemdar has returned to Türkiye for routine technical maintenance," he said in a statement.

Ustel said search operations around the wreckage, which lies at a depth of 550 meters (1,804 feet), were being conducted using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and that difficult sea conditions were complicating the operation.

He said the TRNC government was in constant contact and coordination with Turkish authorities and that, following technical assessments, a decision had been made to deploy another search and rescue vessel with deep-sea operational capabilities and specialized technical equipment.

"The vessel in question will depart Istanbul tomorrow (Thursday) and head toward the accident area. It is expected to arrive on our island and begin operations over the weekend or early next week," he said.

The death toll from the high-speed passenger vessel, which operated between Girne Port in the TRNC and Tasucu Port in Türkiye's southern Mersin province, stands at 14.

It began taking on water from the bow shortly after leaving Girne around noon Aug. 30. It sank while attempting to return to Girne Port.

Ustel said 267 passengers and crew members were aboard, with 239 rescued.

The wreck was located at a depth of 554 meters (1,818 feet) off the coast of Girne.