Search operations following the sinking of the passenger vessel FİLO JET off Kyrenia entered a fourth day on Wednesday. Eight people have been confirmed dead, while efforts continue to locate those still missing.
A second Turkish Navy vessel, the submarine rescue ship TCG Alemdar, is expected to join the operation with specialised equipment for deep-sea searches.
Object detected at 550 metres
According to Turkish Cypriot media, searches are continuing both on the surface and along the seabed.
The Turkish Navy vessel TCG Işın arrived in the area on Tuesday morning and began operating at 09:00 near the location where the wreck is believed to lie.
Using underwater imaging systems, crews detected an object at a depth of approximately 550 metres that is believed to be the sunken FİLO JET.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman announced the development on Tuesday evening, saying efforts to confirm the identity of the wreck would continue overnight.
The commander of TCG Işın, Lieutenant Commander Ulaş Cesur, said that once the wreck is positively identified, the vessel and the surrounding area will be examined in detail using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
Second vessel to reinforce operation
TCG Alemdar is expected to arrive in Cyprus on Wednesday and join the ongoing searches.
The vessel is equipped with remotely operated underwater vehicles, sonar systems and specialist technology designed for search and rescue operations at considerable depths.
Its deployment is expected to strengthen efforts to locate the missing and investigate the wreck.
Families await news
Relatives of those still missing remained outside Kyrenia harbour on Tuesday, waiting for information about their loved ones. Tensions were reported at times as uncertainty continued.
Erhürman spoke with several relatives before boarding TCG Işın to observe the operation.
Meanwhile, 13 of the 19 people injured in the tragedy were discharged from hospital on Tuesday.
