2 bodies recovered in search for missing passengers after ferry sinks off TRNC

Two bodies were recovered Monday during search operations for passengers missing from a ferry that sank off Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Aug. 30.

According to a written statement by the TRNC Prime Ministry, seabed search operations are continuing about 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) from the wreck at a depth of 570 meters (1,870 feet).

The statement said the bodies of two people were found during the seabed search and that DNA testing had begun to establish their identities.

Their families will be informed once the DNA results are available, it added.

“As the state, we will continue search operations until we reach our missing passengers. We once again ask God’s mercy for those who lost their lives and wish patience and strength to the families of the missing,” the statement said.

Ferry sinking off Girne

The Filo Jet, a high-speed passenger ferry operating between Girne Port in the TRNC and Tasucu Port in Mersin, began taking on water from its bow shortly after departing Girne around noon on Aug. 30 and sank while attempting to return to port.

Of the 267 passengers and crew aboard the vessel, 239 were rescued after it sank, while 15 passengers were confirmed dead. The wreck was located at a depth of 554 meters (1,818 feet) off Girne.

TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel announced on Sept. 19 that the body of another person who had been listed as missing had been recovered, bringing the confirmed death toll at the time to 15 and reducing the number of missing passengers to 13.