Turkey Official Details Filo Jet’s Troubled Past

Speaking to Sözcü TV, Ok confirmed that Hatay Metropolitan Municipality had considered purchasing the vessel but said the claim had been presented without the full context.

Ok said the vessel was built in France in 2000 and purchased by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality in 2004, after which it was leased.

He said the relevant authorities later determined that the vessel could operate between Turkey and Cyprus, and it subsequently began making voyages to Cyprus under the identity of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality.

According to Ok, the vessel struck a pier while returning from Cyprus, causing its left pontoon to break. The same section has since emerged as a focus of attention following the latest disaster. The vessel was subsequently repaired.

Ok said seven years passed between the damage to the left pontoon and its repair, during which time the vessel remained out of service.

The vessel was later sold through the Silifke Enforcement Office, he said.

Following the sale, the vessel was taken to Greece, where it remained for two years while a buyer was sought before eventually being brought back to Turkey.

Ok said Hatay Metropolitan Municipality inspected the vessel after its return and concluded that it was not suitable to sail from Iskenderun-Arsuz Port to Cyprus. The municipality subsequently decided against purchasing the vessel.