Fourth day of suspense in Kyrenia… A Turkish research vessel locates one of the missing persons from the sunken ship, dead. The victim is a man approximately 50 years old. He was taken to the hospital for identification. Reports also indicate that other victims have been found.
“Once again, our condolences to all of us. May God grant us patience. Lord. As I said, it’s 550 meters away, so it’s very dark, and the search is being conducted entirely by the robot’s lights.”
Önal Ustel – “prime minister” of the pseudo-state
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
19 people are still missing. Dozens of friends and relatives are waiting on the dock, asking about the fate of their loved ones.
“I want her body, her dead body. At least let her have a grave.”
Relative of a missing person
Hopes are fading.
“Boats and helicopters are still in the area. Aerial searches are continuing. Search operations are continuing on the sea surface.”
A HABER
READ ALSO: The “Filo Jet” as a watery grave: First body recovered from the wreckage of the ill-fated catamaran
The Turkish research vessel managed to reach the wreckage using thermal cameras, a robotic submersible, and other specialized equipment. The first images of the wreck are expected any moment now.
“We carried out this operation using the camera you see here. This unmanned system, which descends to the depths of the sea, will capture images of the wreck with its cameras, transmit real-time images to the operators, and provide a clear picture of what is happening.”
A HABER
Information is pouring in, and anxiety is reaching a fever pitch. Another Turkish search-and-rescue vessel is operating in the area.
“Because there are claims that the door was locked and they were trapped inside, the investigation is ongoing. (The sunken passenger ship has been located.”
A HABER
READ ALSO: Ustel condemns Arikli: “Whoever is responsible will be held accountable”
In the occupied territories, events continue to be canceled as a sign of mourning while the victims’ funerals are being held. Among them is Gülcan Gürel, who, as the ship was sinking, took off the life jacket she was wearing and gave it to her daughter so she could be saved. She herself did not survive.
Debris believed to belong to the ship washed ashore this morning in Lapithos and Vasilia. Reports in the Turkish Cypriot press state that the debris was discovered by civilians on the coastal promenade. A blue chair and several personal items were found.
Ustel announced criminal and other investigations into the shipwreck, assuring that all responsibilities and mistakes will be addressed.
Eleven of the 19 injured are still receiving treatment. Eight of the 19 survivors have been discharged, while 11 injured individuals are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
Early this afternoon, it was announced in the occupied territories that ship departures from the port of Kyrenia and the marinas have been suspended.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’ report:
