The wreckage of the passenger vessel that capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in northern Cyprus has been located, Turkish Cypriot President Tufan Erhürman announced.

Erhürman said in a statement that search teams reached the wreckage area and that underwater imaging and search operations are continuing without interruption.

The president said rescue efforts will continue around the clock to locate the remaining missing passengers.

Deep-sea search operation underway

The wreckage was detected at a depth of around 550 meters below sea level, marking a new phase in the search operation.

The Turkish Navy’s TCG Işın rescue vessel has been carrying out deep-sea scanning operations using advanced underwater technology, including remotely operated systems, to locate and examine the wreckage.

TCG Alemdar has also arrived in the area to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts. The vessel is expected to assist TCG Işın and other teams involved in the operation.

Authorities are continuing efforts to examine the wreckage and gather information related to the accident while searching for the missing passengers.

20 people remain missing

The passenger vessel capsized shortly after departing from Kyrenia Port while traveling toward Taşucu in Türkiye.

A total of 241 people were rescued after the accident, while the bodies of eight passengers were recovered. Search teams continue efforts to locate the remaining 20 missing people.

The operation involves naval vessels, aircraft, helicopters and specialized underwater teams as authorities continue efforts to determine the fate of those still unaccounted for.(ILKHA)