In Lake Van–side Bitlis, police divers on duty remain on standby day and night to carry out explosive inspections in streams and culverts along the transit routes of state officials, combat migrant smuggling, apprehend wanted suspects, prevent illegal fishing, and respond immediately to any accidents that may occur in the water. In addition to their training at the police lodge, the “frogmen” continuously improve themselves by diving in Lake Van using boats operated by their biggest supporters—the marine police.
Despite all challenges, officers working in streams, rivers, lakes, and seas contribute to solving numerous cases by recovering bodies or crime tools from meters below the surface. Wearing diving suits instead of uniforms, the frogmen—who respond to incidents across five provinces in the region and sometimes serve elsewhere—continue their dive training in the icy waters of Lake Van.
“We always keep ourselves fit”
Police officer Yusuf Çuhalar told Anadolu Ajansı that within the Bitlis Police Department Underwater Group Command, one chief, six frogmen, and two deckhands are on duty.
Stating that they serve not only in Bitlis but also in Muş, Şırnak, Batman, and Siirt, Çuhalar said:
“Besides searching for crime tools and responding to drowning incidents, when state officials visit our regions we conduct underwater and surface searches for bombs or suspicious objects along waterfronts and waterways to prevent sabotage. We also took part in relief efforts during the floods in Sinop, Kastamonu, and Rize. When there is no active duty, we keep training—some days running and free swimming, other days diving—to stay fit at all times.”
Ataman Faik Özcan added that they train about three hours a day with weightlifting, fitness, and free swimming, and on some days conduct training dives. Noting that training dives last about an hour, Özcan said they maintain their equipment and stay ready to respond instantly to possible incidents.
Özcan also said they warn citizens who swim in the lake during summer to avoid danger, adding:
“For four years we have served in and around Lake Van. We have intervened in many incidents, eased citizens’ suffering, and brought unresolved cases to light. We dive to support investigations conducted by our Provincial Police Department. To prevent underwater historical artifact smuggling in Lake Van, we also accompany certain dives—and we fulfill this duty.”
Deckhand Okay Şark stated that he has been serving in Bitlis for a year:
“Our area of responsibility is the section of Lake Van within Bitlis borders. With our two boats, we carry out missions including protecting state officials, maritime rescues or body recoveries, combating illegal fishing and migrant smuggling, and responding to public order incidents on the lake. Upon instructions from the Protection Department, we also serve in neighboring provinces.”