**Deep-Sea Rescue Vessel Arrives Off Kyrenia to Search for Sunken Ferry**
Kyrenia, Cyprus – The deep-sea rescue vessel TCG Isin has arrived off the coast of Kyrenia on Tuesday morning, tasked with the critical mission of locating a ferry that sank shortly after departing for Turkey on Sunday. The incident occurred shortly after the ferry set sail from Kyrenia, and it is believed to have sunk to a depth of approximately 514 meters beneath the sea surface.
Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel expressed optimism on Monday, indicating that he anticipated the vessel would be located by Tuesday afternoon. The arrival of the TCG Isin marks a significant step in the ongoing search and rescue operation, which has been mobilized in response to the tragic event.
Upon arrival, the vessel's commander, Ulas Cesur, outlined the initial steps of the operation. The first objective will be to accurately determine the ferry's location, which will be followed by a thorough exploration and investigation of the area surrounding the wreck. This will be conducted using a remote-controlled underwater device designed for such missions.
The TCG Isin, which has been in service since 2017, is equipped for search-and-rescue operations at depths of up to 1,000 meters. Commander Cesur noted that the vessel is capable of performing “atmospheric dives” to depths of 365 meters, although this is still shallower than the current location of the sunken ferry.
In addition to the deep-sea efforts, surface search-and-rescue teams have been actively recovering floating debris, including suitcases spotted in the waters off Kyrenia. A life jacket was also reported to have washed ashore at Karavostasi, near Lefka, raising concerns about the fate of those aboard the ferry.
As the operation unfolds, authorities remain focused on both recovery efforts and providing support to the families affected by this incident. The search for the ferry and its passengers continues to be a priority for local officials and rescue teams.