31.08.2026 11:21
Eight people died when the Filo Jet ship capsized off Kyrenia; the captain, crew member, and a company employee were brought to court. The judge requested that 7 more people be brought in. Technical data and witness testimonies are pending.
Eight people lost their lives yesterday when a passenger ship capsized off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The captain, seven crew members, and a company employee, who were detained in connection with the incident, were brought before the Kyrenia Accident Court.
The judicial process has begun regarding the accident involving the high-speed passenger ferry named "Filo Jet," which operates between Kyrenia Port and Taşucu Port in Mersin. The vessel began taking on water from its bow shortly after departing from Kyrenia around noon yesterday.
SUSPECTS BROUGHT TO KYRENIA ACCIDENT COURT
The detained captain, identified as M.Ö., along with crew members M.S, M.G, S.E, V.H, R.İ, Z.Ö, and K.K., and company employee A.Ö., were brought before the Kyrenia Accident Court.
After identifying the suspects, the judge requested that the seven individuals sought on charges of "causing death by negligence" also be brought to court.
The judge announced that the hearing would recommence at 11:30 once these seven individuals were brought in.
In their statements to the court, the ship's captain and crew testified that the vessel capsized after its bow broke off due to waves, marking the start of the accident. They argued that, according to meteorological data, there was no issue at departure, and that they held permits for the ship's certification, both in terms of navigation and administration.
The court requested the collection of technical data, the hearing of witnesses, information on whether an investigation had been opened in Turkey regarding this matter, and the completion of other documents.
SHIP CAPSIZED OFF KYRENIA
The high-speed passenger ferry "Filo Jet," operating on the route between Kyrenia Port in the TRNC and Taşucu Port in Mersin, began taking on water from its bow shortly after departing from Kyrenia around noon yesterday.
The ship capsized while trying to return to Kyrenia Port.
Of the 267 people on board, including 259 passengers and 8 crew members, 241 were rescued, while 8 lost their lives.
Search and rescue efforts continue for 18 people.