The images published by Turkish Cypriot media are heart-wrenching, as the sea continues to wash up personal belongings of the passengers who were aboard the ill-fated “Filo Jet” catamaran onto the shores of occupied Kyrenia. Meanwhile, the tragic death toll is rising, with the confirmed death toll reaching 12, while another 16 people remain missing in the 550-meter-deep grave.
Rescue operations continue
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Meanwhile, recovery operations at the wreck site are in their sixth day. Earlier today, two more bodies were located and recovered; according to initial reports, they are believed to be those of women, bringing the death toll to 12.
Read more: The Sea off Kyrenia: A Watery Grave; Two More Bodies Recovered, Bringing the Shipwreck Death Toll to 12
Just the day before, rescuers had recovered the bodies of Turkish Cypriot Ismail Kurt and Elmas Demir from Mersin from a depth of 550 meters, putting an end to the agonizing wait for her husband and their five children, who had been pleading for news for days. Initially, another Turkish Cypriot who had been on the list of missing persons was also recovered.
A titanic operation at a depth of 554 meters
The operations are being conducted under extremely adverse conditions. The wreck of the “Filo Jet” has been located at a depth of 554 meters, where it is pitch black and visibility is minimal. Two specialized deep-water rescue vessels of the Turkish Navy, the “TCG Işın” and the “TCG Alemdar,” are operating at the site.
Read more: Deadly shipwreck off Kyrenia: The second body found in the wreck of the sunken catamaran belongs to a woman | AlphaNews
The surface search has now been completed, and the wreck has sunk completely to the seabed. Using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), advanced sonar systems, and thermal cameras that transmit real-time images, rescuers are attempting to penetrate the interior of the ship, where the remaining 16 missing people are believed to be trapped. Military aircraft, helicopters, and drones continue to assist from the air.
Investigation into the causes
At the port of Kyrenia, the atmosphere remains stifling. Relatives of the passengers remain day and night under tents set up at the harbor entrance, braving the high temperatures. Everyone’s gaze is fixed on the sea, waiting patiently for even the slightest news about the fate of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, an official technical investigation into the causes of the catamaran’s capsizing and sinking was launched by the Maritime Accident Investigation Department of Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, led by Durali İşler.
To facilitate the ongoing investigation, strict restrictions have been imposed on navigation throughout the maritime zone from Davlos to Kormakiti, including a complete ban on water sports, a ban on the passage of fishing and tourist vessels, and the operation of only one special safety corridor for entering and exiting the marina.
