Prime Minister Üstel: No Bodies Found Inside Filo Jet Wreck

Üstel said the vessel had been cut into sections and each part thoroughly searched, with no additional bodies found inside the wreck. He also said the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), commonly known as the black box, recovered today had been handed over to police for examination.

Search operations are continuing in the air, on land and at sea.

“VDR Found and Handed Over to Police”

During the briefing, footage obtained during the search operation was shown to the families, while detailed information was provided on the technical work and searches conducted inside the wreck.

Üstel said search operations would continue in the air, on land and at sea, and confirmed that the VDR recovered today had been handed over to police for examination.

“No Additional Body Found During Comprehensive Searches”

Üstel said:

“Dear brothers and sisters,

“We held a briefing to provide the relatives of our missing citizens with detailed information on the latest developments concerning the maritime disaster.

“From the moment the accident occurred, our state mobilised all available resources and made every effort to locate our missing citizens.

“Search operations initially began with TCG IŞIN. In the second stage, TCG ALEMDAR joined the operation, and the two vessels worked together. The Optimus Prime deep-sea vessel, which enabled deep-water search operations, was subsequently brought into the operation. Our efforts continued uninterrupted with naval assets, search teams and technical capabilities.

“During today’s briefing, Orhan Taktak, owner of Derin Su, provided detailed information about the work carried out. Footage showed how the inside of the vessel was searched and how the wreck was cut into sections to gain access to every part. Every square metre, every bag and every seat was examined. No inaccessible area remained inside the vessel. Despite these comprehensive searches, no additional body was found inside the wreck.

“The body found last week was also reached under extremely difficult conditions. However, our search operations have not ended. Work is continuing in the air, on land and at sea to locate any bodies that may be underwater or on the surface.

“The VDR, or Voyage Data Recorder, found today has been handed over to police. The relevant authorities will carry out the necessary examinations.

“As the state, we have deployed all our resources. Every available capability has been used. We mobilised the resources used in search and rescue operations around the world. We will continue trying every available option that could contribute to the search.

“I share the concerns of our families wholeheartedly. We will not give up the search operations. I wish strength and patience to all the relatives of those missing. As the state, we will do everything required of us and continue our efforts with all available resources to locate our missing citizens.

“We are also closely following the ongoing legal proceedings. Court proceedings are continuing. Whoever is found to have been negligent or at fault in the disaster will be subject to all necessary legal processes and punishment under the law. Whoever they may be, they will be held accountable before justice.

“On behalf of our people, I thank all the teams that contributed to the search operations and demonstrated extraordinary dedication.”