A submersible vessel has joined the search for 20 people missing for two days following a ferry disaster off the coast of Cyprus. Eight people died when the passenger ferry Filo Jet, carrying 267 passengers and crew, capsized and sank after departing Kyrenia in northern Cyprus for Tasucu, Turkey, on Sunday afternoon.

The Turkish navy ship TCG Isin, equipped with a remotely operated submersible capable of descending up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and possessing robotic arms for recovery, arrived at the site Tuesday. Fifteen specialist divers are aboard the Isin. The ferry is located in waters more than 500 meters (1,600 feet) deep.

"Once the wreck is identified, salvage operations will begin at a significant depth of 500 meters," Cmdr. Ulas Cesur said aboard the Isin. "Detailed search and investigation activities will be carried out around and on the wreck using a remotely operated underwater vehicle."

Victims and Survivors

Three victims were buried in Turkey on Tuesday. Nisa Torer, 14, and 56-year-old Nihat Balyemez were interred in the southern city of Gaziantep, while Huseyin Ozdemir was buried in Silifke, Mersin province. Torer had been returning from vacation with her father and two brothers; her father is among the missing. Ozdemir was attending a wedding in Cyprus with his family; his wife is missing, but their two daughters were rescued.

Survivors reported hearing loud noises from below deck shortly before the ferry began listing and taking on water, leading to panic. Passengers described being trapped inside seating areas as water rushed in and the vessel tilted onto its side. The Filo Jet, a wide-bodied catamaran, was carrying numerous Turkish tourists returning from holiday.

Ongoing Search Efforts

An air and sea search was conducted overnight Monday approximately 7.5 kilometers (4.5 miles) off the Cypriot coast. Reports indicate a plane, seven helicopters, five drones, and 17 vessels have participated in the search operations. The North Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel stated that the state is mobilizing all resources with support from Turkey to continue search and rescue operations and technical work.

Investigation

Eight crew members and a director from the ferry's owner, Filo Denizcilik, are in custody. An additional five individuals, including staff from Filo Denizcilik and port officials, are also under investigation.