The search for the young woman continued for eight days since her disappearance. Her family claimed that her friend was responsible for the incident.

Turkish rescue teams managed on Monday to recover a car that had sunk in a lake in Balıkesir province, western Turkey, a day after the body of a young woman was found inside, in an incident that sparked widespread controversy.

A video recording showed the moment the undamaged car was lifted, after the young woman, named Elif Komal (33), drowned inside. The rescue team, which included dozens of specialists and volunteers, had been searching for her for eight days since her disappearance, after her friend reported losing contact with her during a camping trip in the forest.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the search path pointed to Elif’s disappearance in the lake rather than the forest, before divers found her car at the bottom of the water. Part of the car’s side window was open, and an inflatable balloon was used to help the car float before it was pulled to the shore and then lifted using a crane.

"Death by Drowning"

Turkish media reported that preliminary investigations suggest Elif died from drowning, with no signs of gunshots or assault. The car is currently being examined by investigators, while doctors are preparing a detailed forensic report to determine the circumstances of the incident.

Earlier, the police had detained Elif’s friend who reported her disappearance after revealing that a verbal argument had occurred between them before her disappearance, but he was later released due to lack of criminal evidence. However, Elif’s family still doubts the incident, pointing out that the absence of the car from surveillance cameras raises the possibility of a planned crime.

Additionally, Elif’s family claimed that her friend was responsible for the incident, stressing that his behavior and actions indicate a possible involvement in the crime.