The captain and seven crew members of the Filo Jet passenger ferry, along with a company employee, were brought before the Girne (Kyrenia) District Court on Monday as authorities investigate the maritime disaster that left 20 missing off the coast of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The high-speed passenger ferry, which was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, capsized shortly after leaving Girne Port for Taşucu in Mersin on Sunday. A total of 241 people were rescued, while eight people have died and search-and-rescue operations continued for 20 others.
The defendants include the vessel’s captain, seven crew members and a company employee.
Following the identification proceedings, the judge ordered that seven additional people wanted on suspicion of “causing death through negligence” be brought before the court.
During their statements, the captain and crew members said the vessel capsized after its bow broke away as a result of waves, causing water to enter the ship. They maintained that there were no problems with the weather when the vessel departed and argued that the Filo Jet had the necessary certifications and permissions to operate, both in terms of navigation and administrative requirements.
