PM Üstel: New vessel to begin operations today

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel issued a statement on the ongoing search operations following the maritime accident.

Prime Minister Üstel announced that the new vessel reached the wreck site on Sunday evening and begins operations today.

“The search operations we launched following the maritime accident are continuing uninterrupted, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by sea, land and air. The new vessel that will join the search operations reached the wreck site at around 8pm on Sunday evening and begin operations today” Üstel said.

“With the new vessel’s technical capabilities, we aim to reach the interior sections of the wreck, which lies 554 metres below the surface, and locate those who are still missing. We believe that we will achieve results in the new phase beginning today” he added.

“The families of those missing should know that our state has not given up on finding their loved ones. We will continue to use every resource at our disposal and pursue our efforts with determination to reach those who are missing. I pray for God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in the maritime accident and wish their families patience and strength” the Premier said.

“I would like to thank the Republic of Türkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, and everyone involved in the search and rescue operations for standing by us during this difficult period” Üstel added.