The goal is to reach the wreck of the passenger catamaran—which lies at a depth of 514 meters off the coast of Kyrenia—on Tuesday afternoon, according to “Prime Minister” Ünal Ustel. Meanwhile, the search for the 20 missing persons continues around the clock.
According to reports in the Turkish Cypriot online media, Ustel visited the families waiting for news of their loved ones at the port of Kyrenia and briefed them on the progress of the search and rescue operations.
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He said that the catamaran sent out a distress signal shortly after departing from Kyrenia and sank within a short period of time. He noted that the majority of those on board were rescued, while authorities are still searching for 20 people.
Ships, helicopters, aircraft, and additional search-and-rescue teams are participating in the operations, with support from Turkey. According to Ustel, a specialized vessel expected from the Dardanelles is capable of operating at great depths and is expected to begin operations at the site on Tuesday to determine whether there are people inside the wreck.
Meanwhile, the “Ministry of Public Works and Transportation” announced changes to sea and air connections with Turkey. As announced, Akgünler Denizcilik will resume service on September 1 via a route to be determined by the “Coast Guard,” while Filo Denizcilik’s services are suspended until further notice.
The Turkish airlines Pegasus and AJet will operate four additional flights on September 1, with reduced ticket prices, to accommodate the increased passenger traffic, as reported.
READ ALSO: Tragedy in Kyrenia: Here are the names of the deceased; 20 people remain missing from the deadly shipwreck | AlphaNews
Source: CNA
