Attention remains focused on the sea and on efforts to reach the wreck of the FİLO JET, which lies at a depth of approximately 514 metres, as families continue to wait for news of those still missing and investigators seek answers about one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent years.
Search-and-rescue operations continued without success on Monday off the coast of Kyrenia, with the anguish of relatives intensifying as efforts to locate the 20 missing passengers entered another day.
The operation is continuing around the clock with the participation of ships, helicopters, aircraft and additional rescue teams from Turkey.
The key objective in the coming hours is reaching the wreck itself.
According to so-called prime minister Ünal Üstel, authorities hope to attempt a deep-water operation on Tuesday afternoon using a specialised vessel expected to arrive from the Dardanelles. The vessel has capabilities for operations at significant depths and is expected to help determine whether anyone remains inside the catamaran.
The FİLO JET, a high-speed passenger vessel operating the Kyrenia-Taşucu (Mersin) route, reportedly began taking on water from its forward section shortly after departing Kyrenia on Sunday afternoon.
The vessel attempted to return to port but capsized during the effort to turn back.
A total of 267 people were on board, including 259 passengers and eight crew members.
According to available figures:
- 241 people were rescued
- Eight died
- 20 remain missing
First answers emerge in court
The investigation has now moved into the stage of examining potential criminal responsibility.
A total of 14 individuals were brought before the "district court" in Kyrenia.
Detention orders of three days were issued for nine suspects, while five others were released pending further investigation.
Those released reportedly include three shareholders of the company operating the vessel and two employees of the port authority.
Among the allegations under investigation is causing death by negligence.
Central issues in the proceedings include:
- The circumstances under which the vessel departed.
- The condition of the catamaran.
- The actions of the crew during the sinking.
- The adequacy of lifesaving equipment.
According to testimony attributed to the captain, the vessel capsized after its bow suffered damage from heavy waves.
Court proceedings heard that the second captain issued a distress call during the emergency, while investigators are also examining whether the captain possessed the required official command certification.
The role of the crew during the evacuation is also under scrutiny.
The defence argues that crew members assisted passengers by deploying life jackets and life rafts.
Police, however, presented a different picture, telling the court that witness statements indicate crew members did not provide sufficient assistance and lacked the necessary knowledge to properly use lifesaving equipment.
Particular interest has also focused on reports that a crew member warned the captain that the vessel's bow had suffered damage.
The crew member's lawyer argued that his client lacked the technical expertise necessary to assess or predict the extent of the structural problem.
Vessel history under scrutiny
Authorities are also investigating the vessel's technical condition and regulatory history.
During court proceedings it was stated that the vessel was licensed to operate in waves of up to three metres and that its most recent inspection was conducted on 2 June 2026, when it was deemed seaworthy.
The vessel had previously sustained damage in an accident around 12 years ago and received a new operating certificate in 2024 after repairs were carried out.
Investigators are reviewing video footage recorded by passengers before the sinking.
Examination of passenger manifests and immigration records has reportedly indicated that the vessel was not overloaded and that weather conditions at the time of departure were not considered adverse.
Approvals relating to life rafts and life jackets, issued by the authorities in the north, are also being examined.
Meanwhile, six employees of the port authority became subject to arrest warrants as investigators look into their role in approving the vessel's departure.
Üstel announced that personnel involved in granting departure clearance had been suspended pending investigation and warned that anyone found responsible would be held accountable.
A separate examination will be carried out on the section of the vessel believed to have sustained damage, with the participation of a specialist team from Türkiye.
So-called transport minister Erhan Arıklı said the investigation should extend beyond potential criminal liability and include technical and administrative aspects of the disaster.
Investigators are expected to examine:
- AIS and GPS records.
- Radar data.
- VHF radio communications.
- Shipboard camera recordings.
- Engine and alarm logs.
- Maintenance and classification records.
- Cargo and passenger information.
- Meteorological data.
Political responsibility
Arıklı stated that he is prepared to assume political responsibility if shortcomings are identified and did not rule out the possibility of resignation.
He reiterated that the inquiry should not be limited to judicial proceedings and said Turkish and international experts could be involved.
At the same time, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman called for every aspect of the disaster to be investigated and warned against allowing the incident to fade from attention once rescue operations conclude.
He stressed the need to uncover any mistakes, omissions or failures that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Erdoğan: Those responsible will answer
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also addressed the issue on Monday, saying Ankara is working closely with the authorities in the north and has mobilised all available resources for the search-and-rescue effort.
Erdoğan expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
He said Turkey and the authorities in the north would work together to determine the causes of the sinking.
"Necessary steps" would be taken to establish what happened and, if negligence is found, those responsible will be held accountable, he said.
International condolences
Messages of sympathy and support have been issued by the European Union, the United Nations, and political parties and public figures in both Cyprus and Turkey.
The European Commission Representation in Cyprus expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and voiced hope for the safe recovery of those still missing.
The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart's successor Khassim Diagne, also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and support for everyone affected by the disaster.
Statements of sympathy were also issued by AKEL and Volt Cyprus.
Sources: CNA, TRT and Yeni Düzen.
