01.09.2026 08:20
Striking details have emerged about the history of the ship following the disaster involving the Filo Jet, which sank off the coast of Kyrenia. Marine Construction Engineer Erdal Kılıç said that the ferry had suffered severe structural damage in an accident years ago and that he had prepared a report indicating it required extensive repairs, but they could not reach an agreement with the ship's owners. Kılıç stated that he reported the owners later had the ship repaired by a Greek company 'by trial and error.'
While the investigation into the Filo Jet ferry disaster off the coast of Kyrenia continues, striking details have emerged about the 26-year-old vessel's past. It was noted that the ferry had been involved in two previous accidents, and a warning issued by a Turkish engineer who inspected the ship years ago, along with the subsequent repair work, has come to light.
Naval architect Erdal Kılıç, in a statement to journalist Cüneyt Özdemir, recounted that Filo Jet ran aground in Taşucu, Mersin, approximately 10 years ago, causing severe structural damage to the ship's bow.
TURKISH ENGINEER INSPECTED FOR 50 HOURS
Kılıç, who said he inspected the ship for about 50 hours after the accident, stated that the damage was too extensive to be fixed with a simple intervention.
Kılıç said, "It was wounded at the bow. There was very severe structural damage. I inspected it for 50 hours. It required a qualified and technically challenging repair process. In my report prepared at that time, I stated that it was imperative for the repair to be carried out under class supervision."
COULD NOT AGREE WITH SHIP OWNERS
According to Kılıç's account, after the report was prepared, a disagreement arose with the owners over how the ship should be repaired.
Kılıç, stating that the ship's severe structural damage needed to be addressed under specific technical conditions, said they could not reach an agreement with the ship owners on this matter, and the issue was subsequently taken to court.
"THEY HAD IT REPAIRED BY A GREEK COMPANY HAPHAZARDLY"
Kılıç's most striking statement, however, concerned how Filo Jet was later repaired.
Noting that the ship owners had stated during the legal process that they had the ferry repaired by a Greek company, Kılıç said, "The matter was later taken to court. They submitted a statement saying they had it repaired 'haphazardly' by a Greek company. In fact, they had it done by people who were not qualified for the job."
"THERE WAS A LARGE PATCHED PIECE ON ITS LEFT SIDE"
Another striking statement regarding the damage Filo Jet had suffered in the past came from Mustafa Koç, the captain of a commercial boat who participated in the search efforts after the disaster.
Koç, stating that the ship remained on land for years due to the damage it had previously sustained, said, "This ship remained on land for 5 years due to the wound it received in the past. There was a large patched piece on its left side. That piece gave way. The reason for the sinking originates from that struck area."
CAPTAIN: THE FRONT OF THE SHIP BROKE OFF
The testimony of Filo Jet's captain, M.Ö., who was arrested in connection with the disaster, made the claims about the ship's past damage even more striking.
Captain M.Ö., arguing that he saw no problem when setting sail according to meteorological data, stated that the front of the ship broke off due to the waves and the ferry capsized.
The suspects also argued that the ship held the necessary permits for its certification, both in terms of navigation and administration.
PASSENGERS DESCRIBED NEGLIGENCES ONE BY ONE
Meanwhile, passengers who survived the disaster stated that there were serious negligences regarding the incident. Passengers reported that the doors were locked, life jackets were not distributed, and lifeboats were not lowered into the sea.
It was also among the claims voiced by passengers that the voyage continued despite requests to turn back after the ship began taking on water.
"I PERSONALLY BROUGHT THE CAPTAIN TO SHORE"
Mustafa Koç, who participated in the search efforts, made a statement consistent with accounts that the captain and crew abandoned the ship before the passengers.
Koç said, "Did the captain inside the ship leave it first? Yes. I personally brought the first and second captains to shore."
Koç, stating that he reached the area about 45 minutes after learning of the incident, recounted that there were 80-90 people on the capsized ship and that they transported 60-65 adults to the port.
CAPTAIN AND CREW ARRESTED
Of the 14 suspects brought before the court regarding the disaster, 9 people, including Filo Jet's captain M.Ö. and crew members, were arrested. 5 people, two of whom were public officials, were released.
Allowing the ship to set sail in stormy weather also became one of the important topics of the investigation.
OFFICIALS WHO PERMITTED THE VOYAGE WERE SUSPENDED
TRNC Minister of Transport Erhan Arıklı, pointing out that the captain had the experience to assess weather and sea conditions, said, "He was an experienced captain; he could have chosen not to make this voyage. He knew there were dead seas."
Arıklı stated that after the captain said "I will make this voyage," the harbor master's office gave permission.
TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced that the port officials who permitted Filo Jet's voyage had been suspended and an investigation had been initiated against them. Üstel said, "Whoever it is, they will answer before justice."
8 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES, 20 PEOPLE ARE STILL MISSING
In the disaster, Nihat Balyemez, Hüseyin Özdemir, Nuray Zeytun, Fahri Ateş, Gülcan Gürel, Reyhan Verim, Nisa Törer and Nurcan Hilaloğlu lost their lives.
The 20 missing people were identified as Ferdi Törer, Mustafa Demir, Mahmut Demir, Özgür Gönül, Amine Asel Hilaloğlu, Şerif Özdemir, Süleyman Erdoğan, Saliha Miray Biçer, Mehmet Asaf Biçer, Orhan Bekret, Nazmiye Özbolat, Elmas Demir, İsmail Kurt, Yulia Özcan, Ayhan Özcan, Elife Bayır, Nihat Pancar, Mustafa Kemal Yaralı, Mehmet Bayhan and Mehmet Nuri Ayran.