An object believed to be the wreck of the Filo Jet has been detected at a depth of approximately 550 metres off Kyrenia, according to Kibris Postasi. Its identity has not yet been officially confirmed, with specialist robotic equipment now being deployed to inspect it.
Object awaiting confirmation
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said the search and rescue operation was being conducted with particular care, warning that results should not be expected quickly.
He said the location of an object had been identified at a depth of approximately 550 metres and that it could be the vessel. He stressed, however, that no official confirmation had been made and that an announcement would follow once the necessary checks had been completed.
Searches continuing overnight
According to Turkish Cypriot media, Erhürman said operations would continue without interruption throughout the night, both on the surface and underwater.
A second search and rescue vessel is expected to arrive in the occupied areas on Wednesday morning, reinforcing the operation.
“Searches on the surface of the sea are continuing without interruption and have not been abandoned. Operations are being conducted simultaneously both below and above the surface,” he said.
Robotic equipment deployed
Erhürman explained that divers cannot descend beyond a depth of 90 metres, making specialist robotic equipment necessary.
“Divers cannot descend below 90 metres. Carrying out work at 500 metres is not easy. The process of lowering robotic technology has begun, after which the necessary findings will be made,” he said.
He added that sea currents in the area were forcing crews to lower the equipment slowly towards the point where the object was detected.
