The investigation into the deadly Filo Jet shipwreck off Kyrenia has entered a critical new phase, with attention now focused on the catamaran itself, lying at a depth of about 514 metres.
According to statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, as reported by Turkish Cypriot media, two specialised vessels from Turkey were expected to assist in the operation, as the depth of the wreck makes it impossible for divers to reach the site.
One of the vessels is equipped with robotic technology capable of conducting underwater imaging at depths of up to 1,000 metres and recovering objects located on the seabed.
TCG IŞIN joins operation
The Turkish Navy's specialised rescue and towing vessel TCG IŞIN (A-583) has also been deployed to the area.
Measuring 68 meters in length and 14 meters in width, the vessel is designed to carry out rescue, towing, diving, underwater operations, and medical support activities.
According to Kıbrıs Postası, the vessel is equipped with advanced underwater survey systems and can conduct operations at depths of up to 3,000 metres.
Its equipment includes a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and an atmospheric diving system (ADS), enabling operations at depths far greater than that of the Filo Jet wreck.
The use of these systems is expected to give investigators their first detailed view of the catamaran's condition on the seabed and assist in the search for evidence that could prove crucial to the technical investigation.
Search continues for missing persons and black box
One of the key items being sought by the authorities is the vessel's data recorder, commonly referred to as the "black box".
Erhan Arıklı, responsible for the transport portfolio in the north, has said it has not yet been located and that investigators are examining the possibility that it became detached from the Filo Jet during the sinking. As a result, the search is not confined to the wreck itself but also extends to debris recovered from the sea.
Erhürman also confirmed that the recorder had not yet been found, adding that efforts were continuing both to locate missing persons and to gather evidence that could help determine the cause of the disaster.
The underwater examination is also considered crucial to answering another key question: what caused the fracture in the catamaran's front left section, after which water began entering the vessel.
During court proceedings, an assistant police inspector said the Filo Jet had travelled about four miles from Kyrenia harbour when the end section of the left float-hull broke, water entered the vessel and it subsequently capsized. The precise cause of the fracture remains under investigation.
Investigators are therefore expected to rely heavily on images captured by the ROV at a depth of 514 metres as part of the technical inquiry into the tragedy.
With information from Kıbrıs Postası, Haber Kıbrıs and Kıbrıs Gerçek.
