The investigation into the deadly sinking off Kyrenia has widened to include the crew’s conduct, the captain’s qualifications and the process used to clear the vessel for departure. Authorities are also examining the role of company shareholders and port officials, with technical checks expected on the damaged section of the catamaran.
Nine suspects remanded for three days
Fourteen people appeared before the Kyrenia “district court” on Monday. Nine were remanded for three days, while five were released but remain under investigation.
The five released suspects are three shareholders in Filo Jet and two employees of the “ports authority”. The suspects are being investigated for causing death through negligence.
Proceedings were temporarily suspended earlier in the day after the “judge” requested the appearance of all 16 suspects for whom arrest “warrants” had been issued.
Conflicting accounts of crew response
The “court” heard that the second captain called for assistance at the time of the incident. Investigators are examining whether the captain held an official master’s licence and whether the crew helped passengers evacuate the catamaran.
It was stated that the vessel had sufficient life rafts.
A lawyer representing a crew member said the entire crew assisted passengers by distributing life jackets and deploying the rafts. However, the “police” said witness statements indicated that the crew did not help passengers and lacked sufficient knowledge of how to use the life-saving equipment.
A crew member identified by the initials S.E. reportedly informed the captain that the vessel’s bow had broken. His lawyer said the crew member had no knowledge of the ship’s technical structure and could not have predicted the damage.
Vessel inspections under scrutiny
Information was presented about the vessel’s technical condition and sailing permits. The “court” heard that it was authorised to operate in waves of up to three metres.
The “meteorological service” reportedly recorded suitable weather conditions, while documents were submitted showing that Turkish Lloyd had approved the vessel as fit for service.
In response to a question from the “prosecutor”, it was stated that the vessel’s most recent inspection took place on 2 June 2026, when it was declared fit to sail.
The “police” said the vessel had been damaged in an accident approximately 12 years ago but was issued a new sailing licence in 2024 following repairs.
Investigators are also examining the possible responsibility of company shareholders and “ports authority” employees. Arrest “warrants” have been issued for six employees of the authority.
Passenger videos examined
Videos recorded by passengers before the vessel sank are among the key pieces of evidence being examined.
A review of “immigration records” and passenger lists reportedly showed that the vessel was not overloaded. Investigators also found no adverse weather conditions at sea when it departed the port.
Approvals for the reserve life rafts and life jackets were issued by the “TRNC authorities”. A person who held a managerial position at the time said in a statement that there was no reason to prevent the vessel from departing, provided all its permits were valid.
A technical examination will be carried out on the section of the vessel believed to have been damaged, with the participation of a team from Turkey.
Port officials suspended
“Prime Minister” Ünal Üstel announced that employees of the “ports authority” involved in approving the vessel’s departure had been suspended and were under investigation. New personnel have been appointed to their positions.
“Anyone found to have been negligent, at fault or responsible for this accident will be identified, and those found responsible, whoever they may be, will be brought before justice,” Üstel said.
Arıklı says he is ready to resign
“Transport minister” Erhan Arıklı cancelled a scheduled press conference to avoid affecting the “police” investigation and instead issued a written statement.
Arıklı said he was prepared to accept responsibility for the political consequences once the causes of the accident had been established.
“If there are people responsible, including myself, I will resign if necessary,” he said.
He also published the vessel’s seaworthiness and classification certificates, the captain’s licence, its compliance certificate and its permit to operate as a high-speed craft.
Arıklı said the incident should not be examined solely through a judicial investigation, adding that its technical and administrative aspects should also be independently investigated.
The inquiry is examining AIS and GPS data, radar records, VHF radio communications, footage from the vessel’s cameras, engine and alarm records, maintenance and classification documents, loading and passenger records, and meteorological data.
Independent experts from Turkey and international maritime organisations could be brought into the investigation if necessary, he said. Internationally accepted scientific methods would be used throughout the examinations.
Source: CNA
