9 Held Over Filo Jet Disaster on Negligent Homicide Charges

New details emerged in court as the investigation into the capsizing of the passenger vessel off Kyrenia continued.

The court ordered nine suspects to remain in custody for three days, while authorities were also instructed to investigate whether other company shareholders bore responsibility for the disaster.

The suspects face charges of “causing death through negligence and carelessness.”

According to evidence presented in court, the vessel’s second captain, identified as M.N.S., made a distress call at the time of the accident.

It was also reported that suspect A.Ö. has a heart condition, M.Ö. underwent a medical examination and Z.Ö. regularly takes medication.

CREW’S RESPONSE TO PASSENGERS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Authorities are continuing to investigate the captain’s official certification and whether crew members assisted passengers during the evacuation.

Although it was stated that the vessel had a sufficient number of life rafts, a defence lawyer said in court that “all crew members lowered the life jackets and rafts and helped the passengers.”

Police, however, told the court that statements had been taken claiming that crew members failed to assist passengers.

Some passenger statements also reportedly alleged that crew members did not have sufficient knowledge about the use of life jackets.

It was further reported that suspect S.E. told the captain that the front section of the vessel had broken.

S.E.’s lawyer argued that his client was a basic worker with no technical knowledge of the vessel and could not have seen the alleged damage. Police said S.E.’s statements were also being examined as part of the investigation.

VESSEL’S INSPECTIONS AND SAILING PERMITS UNDER SCRUTINY

The court was also given information regarding the vessel’s technical condition and sailing permits.

Authorities reportedly determined that there was no restriction preventing the vessel from sailing in waves of up to three metres.

Meteorological permits, Türk Loydu approvals and other vessel documents were reportedly complete, while inspection documents carried the signature of E.Ü.

In response to a question from the prosecution, police said the vessel’s latest inspection had been conducted on June 2, 2026, and that it had been deemed fit to operate in international waters.

Police also told the court that the vessel, which had suffered damage in an accident approximately 12 years ago, was repaired and received a new sailing permit in 2024.

RESPONSIBILITY OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS TO BE INVESTIGATED

Authorities are also investigating the possible responsibility of company shareholders and officials from the Port Authority.

The Port Authority officials identified as S.A., R.A., H.E., B.H., M.O. and M.B. were among those who were not subject to a request for remand.

The court was also informed that the prosecution had previously issued orders concerning 16 individuals and that the remaining seven of the 16 had been ordered to appear before the court.

The court ultimately ordered nine suspects to remain in custody for three days, allowing investigators additional time to establish whether other company shareholders were also responsible.

FOOTAGE RECORDED BY SURVIVORS TO BE EXAMINED

Footage recorded by survivors during the incident is among the key pieces of evidence in the investigation.

Police said the recordings would be examined as part of the inquiry.

Checks of immigration records and passenger lists reportedly found that the vessel was not carrying more passengers than its permitted capacity and that weather conditions were suitable for sailing when it left the port.

Authorities also said approval for the vessel’s spare lifeboats and life jackets had been issued by the TRNC authorities.

A former official of the relevant department reportedly told investigators that there was no obstacle to the vessel sailing as long as its permits and documents were in order.

DAMAGED SECTION TO BE EXAMINED WITH TURKISH TEAM

The court also heard that the vessel continued sailing despite sustaining damage.

A technical examination will be carried out on the section where the vessel is alleged to have broken, with a team from Turkey expected to join the investigation.

The police investigation is continuing on multiple fronts, focusing on the vessel’s technical condition, the captain’s qualifications, inspection and sailing permits, the crew’s response during the incident, passenger statements and footage recorded by survivors.