23.10.2026 15:50
In the investigation into the Filo Jet disaster off Kyrenia in the TRNC, in which 28 people lost their lives, audio recordings from the ship’s VDR device were brought to court. According to police, the recordings were found to include a rudder malfunction, the ship taking on water, and conversations among the crew such as “The ship will sink” and “The company is looking after its own business.” The court decided that 9 suspects, including the ship’s director and captains, would remain in detention for 7 more days.
In the investigation of the Filo Jet disaster that occurred off Kyrenia on August 30, audio recordings obtained from the ship's voyage data recorder (VDR) drew attention. The recordings included conversations about the ship's technical problems and the crew's concerns.
“HERE, WE ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO ARE COMPLETE; EVERYTHING ELSE IS HALF”
According to information presented in court by police inspector Mehmet Mannas, the VDR recordings contain conversations indicating that the ship was taking on water. It was stated that conversations among the crew included remarks such as “Here, we are the only ones who are complete; everything else is half.”
It was reported that the recordings also contained the statements “The company is after its own business” and “The ship will sink.” Police reported that conversations regarding the ship taking on water and the sinking process are being evaluated as part of the investigation.
RUDDER MALFUNCTION REFLECTED IN RECORDINGS
It was reported that the voice recordings also contain conversations regarding malfunctions in the ship's rudder system. It was stated that there are 2 rudder controls on the ship's front console and 1 in the joystick section. It was noted that the recordings include conversations indicating that the rudder malfunction continued, and that the relevant engineer's statement will be taken after he is identified.
It was also explained that the recordings include discussion that the ship came within about 250 meters of another ship.
PASSENGER CALLED ON THE CAPTAIN TO “TURN BACK”
In the VDR recordings, it was stated that a passenger called on the captain to turn back. It was also stated that there were conversations about a woman fainting at the rear of the ship, and that the recordings reflected that second captain Merve Nur Seraslan intervened with the passenger.
Police announced that conversations between director Ali Özdülger and second engineer Metin Gül were also identified and are being evaluated as part of the investigation.
“MAYDAY” CALL ALSO UNDER INVESTIGATION
It was reported that the “Mayday” emergency distress call made from the ship was heard and that this recording is also being examined as part of the investigation. The times at which videos were recorded on the ship during the accident are also being investigated.
32 DAYS OF 68-DAY RECORDING EXAMINED
Police inspector Mannas explained that the ship's VDR device contains 68 days of recordings and that a 32-day portion of it has been examined. Noting that the data obtained from the device constitutes an important part of the investigation, Mannas stated that the examination of the audio and data recordings continues. It was announced that the device records information regarding the ship's position, compass, berthing status, and route, and that audio recordings from the ship's upper deck have also been taken under examination.
WAS THE MALFUNCTION REPORTED TO THE COMPANY?
During the hearing, whether the rudder malfunction was reported to the company also came up. In lawyer Bahar's questioning, it was stated that there was a statement indicating the malfunction had been reported to the company. It was noted that malfunctions occurring on the ship must be reported to the flag state, the classification society, and the company. Information that the ship was certified by the classification society on June 2, 2026, was also submitted to the court.
In court, it was stated that second captain Seraslan sent an email to the company, but the email was not opened, was returned, and its content could not be accessed. It was also reported that the VDR recordings contain conversations considered to be against Seraslan.
BILGE PUMPS AND ALARM SYSTEM UNDER INVESTIGATION
As part of the investigation, the ship's bilge pumps and water level alarm system are also being examined. It was reported that the ship has an alarm system that activates when water reaches a certain level, that the ship has 2 generators, and that if one is not working, the other can take over. It was noted that repairs to the fiber equipment must be carried out at the shipyard and by experts, and it was announced that an expert report will be obtained based on the ship's parts.
EXPERT PANEL TO COME FROM TURKEY
Police announced that a Maritime Law Expert has been assigned to investigate the technical and legal aspects of the accident. It was stated that efforts have been made for an expert panel from Turkey to come to the TRNC and conduct an examination on the ship. It was noted that possible faults of the Ports Department are also being investigated, and that if a fault is identified, the necessary investigation will be carried out. It was reported that a comprehensive report will be prepared including weather reports, VDR malfunction records, voice recordings, and the ship's damage status.
At the hearing, it was also announced that reports would be obtained from Barış Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital regarding 3 suspects. It was stated that the investigation into a previous accident the ship was involved in is ongoing, and that within this scope, one more person has been added to the list of wanted persons.
7 MORE DAYS OF DETENTION FOR 9 SUSPECTS
The suspects are being investigated under the charge of 'causing death by negligence and carelessness.' Police, stating that the investigation has not been completed, requested an extension of the suspects' detention period.
Director Ali Özdülger, first captain Mustafa Öz, second captain Merve Nur Seraslan, chief engineer Zeki Öz, second engineer Metin Gül, and crew members Serkan Erol, Kadir Kuliyev, Vale Hummolov, and Raşat İbrahimov, who were brought before the court for the ninth time, were ordered to remain in detention for 7 more days. Search efforts continue for 1 person missing in the accident.