Newsroom
A Turkish deep-sea rescue and salvage ship is expected to arrive in the occupied north on Wednesday as crews step up the search for 20 people still missing after the deadly ferry sinking off Kyrenia.
The TCG Alemdar (A-582), which specializes in underwater operations, will attempt to reach the wreck on the seabed and search for anyone who may still be trapped inside.
A remotely operated submersible capable of descending to a depth of 1,000 meters has also joined the operation. It is expected to give rescue crews a clearer view of the wreck and help them search areas that divers may be unable to reach safely.
Another Turkish search-support vessel, the TCG Işın, arrived on Tuesday to assist the operation.
The latest confirmed toll stands at eight dead and 20 missing. Hundreds of passengers have been rescued, but authorities have yet to report a major breakthrough in the underwater search or confirm what caused the vessel to sink.
The ferry was travelling from Kyrenia to Tasucu in southern Turkey when it issued an SOS signal shortly after leaving Kyrenia port. Turkish Cypriot authorities previously said 267 people, 259 passengers and eight crew members, were believed to have been on board.
Search-and-rescue teams have continued working in the area since the sinking, while the arrival of specialist underwater equipment shifts part of the operation to the wreck itself.
Investigators will also be looking for evidence that could explain how the disaster unfolded, including key sections of the vessel and any recording equipment that may have survived the sinking.
