Six experts from Türkiye arrive in Northern Cyprus to investigate the vessel disaster off Kyrenia

TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı said that six experts from Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure would arrive in Northern Cyprus on September 2. According to him, the specialists have been granted full authority to carry out inspections and work related to the vessel that sank off Kyrenia.

Arıklı previously said that a commission to investigate the catamaran disaster would also be established in Türkiye.

The Filo Jet catamaran capsized off Kyrenia on August 30. There were 267 people on board, 239 of whom were rescued. Eight people are reported dead and 20 are missing; the search has entered its fourth day.

An object believed to be the sunken vessel was detected at a depth of approximately 550 m. Operations at such a depth are being conducted using underwater vehicles, and the Turkish rescue ship TCG Alemdar has been sent to the site of the disaster. TRNC President Tufan Erhürman warned that deep-sea operations require precision and patience, so quick results should not be expected.

Arrest warrants have been issued for 16 people in connection with the disaster, and nine suspects have already appeared before a court in Kyrenia.