Turkish Navy conducts deep-sea search for missing ferry passengers

The Turkish Navy has launched a major deep-sea search and rescue operation following the sinking of the ferry ‘Velo Jet’ off the coast of Girne in Northern Cyprus. The vessel was en route to Taşucu port in Mersin when water leaked into the ship, carrying 267 people (259 passengers and eight crew members).

Rescue efforts have successfully saved 239 individuals. However, the fate of approximately 16 to 20 people remains unknown. Search vessels ‘TGG Uludamar’ and ‘TGG Eşin’ are leading the operation, utilizing advanced technology including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) capable of reaching depths of 1,000 meters and sonar systems to locate the wreckage, which has been identified at a depth of approximately 550 meters.

The operation involves roughly 800 naval personnel, including specialized divers and commando units. Officials noted that the Turkish Navy is among only nine nations globally capable of conducting such deep-water search operations. As of the latest reports, several bodies have been recovered from the wreckage as teams continue to search for the remaining missing persons.