New revelations have shed further light on the causes of the catamaran sinking, which left eight people dead and 20 missing off the coast of occupied Kyrenia.
Turkish media reports say the Filo Jet had sustained damage several days before the tragedy after encountering severe weather, while the captain’s handling of the vessel may also have contributed to the disaster.
According to a Hurriyet columnist citing information from insurance companies, the cracks that led to the vessel sinking were not created on the day of the accident. They were reportedly caused by earlier bad weather, when the catamaran encountered waves of 4–4.5 metres amid winds reaching 30 knots.
Experts quoted by the Turkish newspaper said the vessel had been taken out in dangerous weather conditions and had been repeatedly hit by large waves.
The sources also reportedly have video footage showing that the vessel had already developed cracks, despite the captain and crew subsequently departing from occupied Kyrenia.
Filo Jet had reportedly been repaired
Sabah reported that the vessel had remained out of service for seven years after being seized because its operating company was unable to settle debts owed to employees and other creditors.
According to the report, the vessel was repaired using patches.
Investigators examining the catamaran sinking reportedly found that water began entering the Filo Jet at the site of the repair. The waves are said to have created an opening of around 1.5–2 metres, causing the vessel to rapidly fill with water.
The vessel’s classification certificate reportedly states that it “cannot leave the port when wave heights exceed three metres”. Despite storm conditions in the area, however, the Port Authority allegedly authorised its departure.
Inspection documents reveal operating limits
According to official inspection documents obtained by Sabah, the last complete inspection for the classification certificate of the high-speed catamaran, IMO number 8962034, owned by Filo Denizcilik, was carried out on March 4, 2024.
The technical limits listed in the official document were:
- Waves of 0–2 metres: maximum speed of 32 knots.
- Waves of 2–3 metres: maximum speed of 27 knots.
- Waves above 3 metres: the vessel was prohibited from leaving port. If already at sea, it was required to seek shelter at low speed.
These limits are now being examined as part of the investigation into the Kyrenia catamaran sinking.
Captain’s handling also under scrutiny
Experts speaking to Hurriyet also identified the actions of Captain Mustafa Öz, who had 25 years of experience, as potentially decisive.
According to the experts, the captain could have stopped the vessel and potentially evacuated all passengers rather than continuing.
They said he instead made a sharp turn to the right, causing the water that had accumulated in the empty space beneath the passenger salon to shift and contribute to the vessel capsizing and sinking.
The experts explained that catamarans are designed in such a way that water entering one side of the floats does not necessarily cause the entire vessel to sink. However, they said the sharp turn caused the vessel to tilt to one side, contributing to the sinking.
The investigation into the catamaran sinking remains ongoing, with the reported condition of the vessel, weather conditions and the captain’s handling among the factors being examined.
Also read: Nine appear in “court” over Kyrenia shipwreck – 16 arrested
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