TRNC says wreckage of capsized passenger ferry located off Girne

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Wednesday located the wreckage of a passenger ferry that capsized off the coast of Girne, with President Tufan Erhurman confirming that imaging and search operations would continue uninterrupted around the clock. Erhurman said in a statement on social media that the vessel had been found at a depth of 550 meters (1,804 feet). "The vessel has been located. Imaging and search operations are continuing on a 24-hour basis. They will continue without interruption," he said.

Naval vessels join search

Erhurman noted that the TCG Alemdar had arrived in the area and joined search operations alongside the TCG Isin, which has been conducting searches off Girne since Tuesday. Both vessels are equipped with the same advanced imaging technology needed to survey the wreckage site. The high-speed passenger ferry Filo Jet operates between Girne Port in the TRNC and Tasucu Port in Türkiye's southern Mersin province.

Capsizing details

The vessel began taking on water from its bow shortly after departing Girne around noon on Sunday and capsized while attempting to return to the port. A total of 241 people were rescued, while eight bodies were recovered and search teams continue looking for 20 people reported missing. The ferry was carrying passengers on the regular route between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Türkiye when the disaster struck.