31.08.2026 01:30
The captain was arrested in the investigation launched after a passenger ship carrying 267 people capsized off the coast of Girne. In the disaster, which claimed 7 lives, it was reported that 7 crew members were also detained along with the captain. The investigation into how the accident occurred is ongoing.
The captain of the passenger ship that capsized off the coast of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), carrying 267 people, has been arrested. Following the disaster, 8 personnel, including the captain, were detained, and within the scope of the investigation, an arrest decision was issued for the captain.
SHIP WITH 267 PEOPLE CAPSIZED IN A SHORT TIME
The passenger ship named Filo Jet, which departed from Girne Port to Mersin's Taşucu Port on August 30, began taking on water shortly after leaving the port and capsized in a short time. The ship carried a total of 267 people, including 259 passengers and 8 crew members.
After the captain's distress call, coast guard and search-and-rescue teams were dispatched to the area. However, the ship capsized within a short time and settled on the seabed. According to the latest statements, 8 people lost their lives in the accident, hundreds were rescued, and search efforts for missing persons continue.
CAPTAIN AND 7 OFFICIALS DETAINED
Following the accident, TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel announced that the ship's captain and 7 officials had been detained. Üstel stated that the incident would be investigated in all its aspects and that action would be taken against those responsible if any negligence was identified.
The captain, detained within the scope of the investigation, was arrested and sent to prison after his procedures. The legal process regarding the status of the other 7 officials continues.
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION
The reason why the ship took on water and capsized in a short time has not yet been confirmed. TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı stated that sea and weather conditions on the day of the accident were suitable for the voyage, while saying that the cause of the incident would be revealed as a result of the investigation.
Some passengers who survived the accident made various claims about what happened on the ship during the voyage. While it is alleged that passengers warned the crew about sea conditions and problems on the ship, it was reported that these claims are also being evaluated within the scope of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the TRNC Council of Ministers declared 3 days of national mourning between August 31 and September 2 due to the loss of life in the disaster.