TCG Işın Arrives in Kyrenia as Deep-Sea Search and Rescue Operation Begins

The TCG Işın rescue and salvage vessel, operated by the Turkish Naval Forces, has arrived in Kyrenia to support the ongoing search and rescue operation for people missing following the maritime disaster off the coast of the city.

Built in Istanbul entirely with domestic capabilities and commissioned in 2017, the 68-metre-long and 14-metre-wide vessel is equipped for rescue, salvage, diving, underwater operations and medical support.

TCG Işın can conduct search and rescue operations at depths of up to 1,000 metres. One of its key capabilities in the operation off Kyrenia is a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) capable of reaching depths of up to 3,000 metres.

The vessel is also equipped with an Atmospheric Diving System (ADS) capable of operating at depths of up to 365 metres and a Surface-Supplied Diving System (SSDS), which allows three divers to conduct operations at depths of up to 90 metres.

Its side-scan sonar system can scan the seabed and locate objects at depths of up to 1,000 metres, while its multibeam echosounder system can conduct detailed seabed surveys at depths of up to 3,000 metres.

The vessel’s dynamic positioning system is designed to keep it precisely at a designated position in challenging sea conditions, allowing underwater operations to be conducted safely.

TCG IŞIN COMMANDER ULAŞ CESUR: WRECK WILL FIRST BE LOCATED AND IDENTIFIED

Naval Major Ulaş Cesur, commander of TCG Işın, briefed reporters on the vessel’s capabilities and the operation planned in the area.

Cesur said TCG Işın was built entirely with domestic capabilities in Istanbul and entered service in 2017. He said the vessel was equipped with advanced technology and highly specialised diving personnel capable of carrying out search and rescue operations.

Cesur said the vessel had rescue systems capable of operating at depths of up to 1,000 metres, an Atmospheric Diving System capable of reaching 365 metres, and the capability to conduct manned diving operations to depths of 90 metres.

He added that TCG Işın was not limited to missions within Turkey’s maritime jurisdiction and had also participated in international exercises and operations, where its systems and capabilities had stood out.

“THE WRECK’S LOCATION ON THE SEABED WILL BE DETERMINED”

Outlining the operation, Cesur said: “Our objective in this mission is to use search systems to determine the location of the Filo Jet on the seabed in the area where it is believed to have sunk and to identify the wreck.”

He said that once the wreck had been identified, rescue operations would begin at a significant depth of approximately 500 metres.

Cesur added that a remotely operated underwater vehicle would then be used to conduct detailed searches and inspections around and on the wreck.

The operation will therefore proceed in two main stages: first, locating and identifying the Filo Jet on the seabed, followed by a detailed search and inspection of the wreck and the surrounding area.