Üstel: State Mobilises All Resources to Find Missing People

In a statement, Üstel said operations had continued throughout the night and moved into the daytime phase with the first light of day.

He said there had been no new developments regarding the missing people so far, but teams were continuing to conduct meticulous searches by air and sea across all designated areas.

Üstel said the search and rescue operation was being carried out in full coordination with Turkey, with the Turkish Cypriot Peace Force Command, Security Forces Command, Turkish Armed Forces, Coast Guard, Police Organisation and Civil Defence Organisation among the institutions involved.

TCG Işın Begins Underwater Operations

Üstel said the TCG Işın, which has the technical capability to operate and conduct imaging at the depth where the wreck is located, had arrived in the area and begun its initial operations.

He said the operation aimed to reach the wreck and missing people while also obtaining images of the vessel’s current condition. The images, data and findings collected would be carefully assessed by the relevant authorities, he added.

“Our top priority right now is to reach our missing citizens,” Üstel said.

Judicial and Technical Investigations Continue

Üstel said judicial and technical investigations launched to establish how the disaster occurred in all its aspects were also continuing with determination.

He said search and rescue and technical operations would continue without interruption for as long as necessary, with strong support from Turkey.

“We remain hopeful of reaching our missing people and are waiting for good news from the teams working at the scene,” Üstel said.