Turkish navy deploys submersible as search continues for missing passengers after Cyprus ferry capsizes
The passenger ferry that left Kyrenia for Tasucu capsized, killing eight people and leaving dozens still missing. The wreck lies at a depth of more than 500 metres, a range that local responders cannot reach. A Turkish navy ship, TCG Isin, entered the scene with a remotely operated vehicle capable of descending to 1,000 metres, while a team of divers readies for salvage work.
A deep‑sea team from Turkey arrived on Tuesday with equipment to examine the wreck and surrounding seabed. North Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said the authorities will persist in rescue and technical efforts, and an inquiry into the cause has been opened.
How this was covered
- Reported deaths range from 7 to 20 across outlets
- Coverage peaked at 6 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
Families of the missing passengers depend on the deep‑sea search to locate their loved ones and determine what happened.
How this story developed
- Aug 30 Passenger boat capsizes near Kyrenia, 159 rescued from roughly 270 aboard
- Aug 31 Rescue operations have saved 237 people, with eight confirmed dead and 22 still missing.
- Aug 31 Survivors described locked doors and a lack of life jackets as the ferry listed and sank.
- Aug 31 The captain appeared in court.
- Sep 1 Turkish deep‑sea search unit scheduled to arrive on Tuesday with equipment to probe the wreck.
- Sep 3 A Turkish deep‑sea team arrived on Tuesday with a remotely operated submersible to examine the wreck.
