28.08.2025 22:26
While the sea operation to recover the lifeless body believed to belong to the famous businessman Halit Yukay continues, striking details have emerged in the investigation. According to the statements of the crew on the ship that collided with Yukay's boat, everyone was gathered around the barbecue at the time of the accident. They noticed the accident, but no one offered help.
On August 4th, Halit Yukay set sail alone from Yalova on a yacht named 'Graywolf', and he has not been heard from since. Days later, wreckage of the yacht was found off the coast of Erdek. Technical examinations concluded that the yacht had collided with a cargo ship, and the ship's captain was arrested as part of the investigation.
IDENTIFICATION WORK CONTINUES
In the search and rescue operations coordinated by the Coast Guard Command, a lifeless body was found at a depth of approximately 68 meters at the point where the vessel sank. Although it is believed that the body belongs to Halit Yukay, efforts for definitive identification are ongoing. Significant progress has been made in the efforts to recover the body detected about 7 miles from the shore and at a depth of 68 meters.
TCG IŞIN SHIP SUPPORTS THE OPERATIONS
In the operation conducted under the coordination of the Coast Guard Command, specialized teams and equipment are accompanying the efforts, and it was observed that the crane on the deck of the TCG IŞIN ship stationed in the area was in an elevated position. This situation was assessed as an indication that technical preparations had been completed and the recovery process was ongoing.
Authorities stated that the operation is being carried out meticulously, depending on sea and weather conditions, and that the recovery operation is aimed to be completed in a short time when suitable conditions are met. It was noted that security measures have been increased throughout the operation and developments are being monitored in real-time.
"WE WERE PREPARING FOOD, THEY WERE COOKING CHICKEN"
In the investigation file related to the incident, striking details emerged. According to a report by Musa Kesler from Hürriyet Newspaper, Metin Sarı (50), who holds the title of 'Master Mariner', described the moments as follows: "After leaving the Dardanelles, I handed over my shift at 08:00. I painted the ship's bow until 16:30. After that, we prepared food. They were cooking chicken.
"WHEN I WENT TO GET THE CHICKEN, THERE WAS A VIBRATION ON THE SHIP"
I brought the cooked chickens down to help and took the raw meat up. While I was going down to get the chickens, there was a vibration on the ship. When I came up, I saw pieces floating on the surface of the sea. They looked like pieces of the yacht. I recorded the yacht pieces with my cell phone. The ship maneuvered around the floating yacht pieces. Then we continued on our course. The second captain was with me while I was recording the video. The sunken yacht pieces I saw were known to the captain. That's why I didn't inform anyone else…"
"THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE A BARBECUE"
Another 'Master Mariner', İsa Alazoğlu, recounted the following in his statement on August 7th: "Around 16:00, they said they would have a barbecue. Our barbecue was on the starboard aft side. I started to light the fire with pre-cut wood. The chief cook brought the ingredients. I saw yacht pieces turned over on the water on the starboard side. I went down to the mess hall.
"I SAW A LIFE BUOY ON THE SURFACE OF THE SEA"
All personnel went up to the deck. Around 17:20, after the ship moved a bit, it maneuvered from the starboard side. The second captain and a master mariner named Metin went to the front. I saw that he was recording with his phone. The ship turned around 500-600 meters away and continued on its course. I saw a life buoy on the surface of the sea, and the ship continued on its course. I didn't inform anyone because I thought the captain would report it."