The investigation into the FİLO JET disaster off Kyrenia has expanded, with nine suspects appearing before a "district court" as authorities pursue a negligence inquiry linked to the deaths of eight people and the disappearance of 18 others.
According to Turkish Cypriot media reports, the suspects include the company's director, the vessel's captain, the first officer, the chief engineer and members of the crew.
Authorities are investigating possible death by negligence offences and requested a three-day detention period to continue questioning.
Orders issued for 16 people
A significant development emerged during the court proceedings.
According to Haber Kıbrıs and Kıbrıs Gerçek, warrants or orders had been issued for a total of 16 individuals, prompting the judge to request that all 16 appear before the court.
Police said they had contacted the remaining seven individuals but maintained that evidence available at that stage had not established a connection between them and any offence under investigation.
The judge nevertheless insisted that the inquiry should be comprehensive and that all individuals covered by the orders should appear before the court.
The proceedings were adjourned until later on Monday, with no final ruling issued at that stage on the request for the suspects' detention.
More than 100 statements collected
The scale of the investigation became clearer during the hearing.
According to reports, investigators have already collected more than 100 witness statements as they attempt to reconstruct events before and after water entered the catamaran.
Authorities are also expected to examine photographs and videos recorded by surviving passengers.
Investigators believe the material could provide valuable evidence regarding:
- The condition of the vessel.
- The rate at which water entered the ship.
- Weather and sea conditions.
- Actions taken by the crew during the emergency.
Technical condition under scrutiny
The investigation is not limited to the actions of the captain and crew.
According to Turkish Cypriot reports, investigators are examining the vessel's technical condition, certification documents, Türk Loydu inspection records and the regulatory procedures that allowed the vessel to operate the voyage.
A central question remains how and from where water began entering the vessel and whether any technical or structural defect contributed to the rapid sinking.
These questions have gained added significance following recent reports concerning the vessel's inspection history and earlier technical issues.
Search continues for 18 missing
The death toll remains unchanged at eight fatalities, while 18 people remain missing.
Search operations at sea are continuing alongside the criminal and technical investigations into the causes of the disaster.
Ferry operator continues services
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot outlet Kıbrıs Postası reported that Filo Denizcilik, the company operating the FİLO JET, has continued services on the Kyrenia-Taşucu route using other vessels.
The continuation of operations comes as investigators examine not only the conduct of the crew but also certification, inspection and regulatory procedures connected to the vessel before its final voyage.
Source: Haber Kıbrıs, Kıbrıs Gerçek and Kıbrıs Postası
