Disaster in Cyprus. 20 people missing, wreckage operation begins

The Cyprus disaster is entering its third day of searches. After re-verification of passenger lists, the official tally stands at 239 rescued, eight dead, and 20 missing. The second night of operations at sea has yielded no breakthrough.

On Tuesday, rescuers' attention is focused on the wreck of the Filo Jet, which lies approximately 514 meters below the sea surface. Specialized Turkish Navy vessels equipped with equipment for seabed exploration and work on the sunken vessel are being dispatched to Kyrenia.

Disaster in Cyprus. Why the change in the number of missing people?

On Monday, official announcements indicated a smaller number of wanted individuals. However, after re-checking the data, it was determined that two people previously counted as rescued in fact remain missing.

Hence the latest balance sheet: 239 rescued, eight people dead, 20 missingThe official list of missing persons was also published.

CHECK ALSO | Earlier information about the disaster

https://cyprnews.pl/katastrofa-promu-u-wybrzezy-kyrenii/

https://cyprnews.pl/katastrofa-filo-jet-7-osob-nie-zyje-23-wciaz-sa-poszukiwane/

Rescuers will try to reach the wreck

He joins the action TCG Işın, equipped with, among other things, a remotely operated underwater vehicle. According to Turkish Cypriot media, an underwater rescue unit is also heading to Kyrenia. TCG Alemdar.

The "Prime Minister" of the unrecognized Turkish Cypriot administration, Ünal Üstel, announced that an examination of the wreck itself could begin on Tuesday afternoon. The most important task will be to check its interior for missing persons.

The equipment will also aid in locating recorders and documenting structural damage. This could be crucial to determining Why did the Filo Jet start taking on water so quickly and sink?.

The investigation involves the crew and people associated with the port.

The investigation, which is being conducted in parallel with the rescue operation, is expanding. Nine people, including the operator's representative, the captain, his deputy, mechanics, and crew members, have been detained for investigation into negligent homicide. Warrants have been issued for a total of 16 people.

Mere detention or investigation does not mean a presumption of guilt.

Documents concerning the catamaran's technical history also provide a new thread. Yenidüzen reported that in 2003, when the vessel was named Iris Jet, it struck the quay in Taşuc with its bow and a few days later experienced serious problems with water inflow. Documents from 2018, in turn, noted 29 faults and inconsistencies.

At the same time, the police informed the court that the last technical inspection of Türk Loydu was carried out June 2, 2026, and the vessel had the documents required to operate the vessel. Currently, there is no basis to consider previous defects as the cause of Sunday's disaster.

The first funeral took place

On Monday, he was buried in Famagusta. 59-year-old Nuray Zeytun Ozbiler, a mother of four. It was the first funeral for a victim of the disaster. The bodies of several other people were transferred to Turkey.

Turkish Cypriot media also reported the story of Fahri Ateş, who was traveling with his wife and four-year-old child. According to these accounts, he managed to help them save themselves but died himself. The woman and child were taken to hospital.

However, two issues remain the most important on Tuesday: finding 20 missing people and the first detailed examination of the wreck located more than half a kilometer below the sea surface.

Sources: Bugün Kıbrıs, Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Cyprus Mail, AP