Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of one of the 20 people missing following the shipwreck off the coast of Kyrenia, Turkish Cypriot “prime minister” Ünal Üstel said on Wednesday.
At the same time, Üstel announced the removal of Erhan Arıklı from his position as “minister of public works and transport”, saying the decision would allow the investigation into the tragedy to proceed without any doubts or questions over the process.
According to Kıbrıs Postası, initial assessments suggest the body is that of a man aged around 50. It was taken to the Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu hospital in Nicosia for identification. The families of those still missing will be informed once the identification process has been completed.
Operations ongoing 'round the clock'
Üstel said Turkey was supporting the search and rescue operation through all relevant agencies, while a second search and rescue vessel arrived in the area on Wednesday.
The new vessel is equipped with more advanced technology and is capable of operating at greater depths, he said.
“We had 20 missing people and the body of one of them was found. We brought it here and then it was sent to Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital for identification,” Üstel said.
Üstel visited the search and rescue vessel, where he was briefed on the progress of the operation.
He noted that the depth of the area where the wreck is believed to be located reaches approximately 550 metres, significantly complicating the search efforts.
The operation is being carried out with the assistance of robotic systems, he said, as visibility at such depths is extremely limited.
Asked whether any other bodies had been found inside or around the vessel, Üstel said there had been no further discoveries so far.
The “prime minister” assured the public that the operation would continue around the clock, involving vessels, helicopters and other resources. The public would be kept informed of any new findings, he added.
Arıklı removed from post
Regarding Arıklı’s removal, Üstel said the decision had been taken to ensure that the investigation into the causes of the shipwreck could proceed without creating any doubts about the process.
The move follows mounting criticism and calls for political responsibility to be assumed, amid allegations of negligence and inadequate oversight.
