Nine suspects were brought before the so-called “Kyrenia District Court” on Monday in connection with the sinking of the Filo Jet off Kyrenia on Sunday afternoon.
According to reports from the occupied areas, those appearing before the “court” include the captain, the seven-member crew and the company’s director in the occupied areas.
The seven-member crew consists of the second captain, chief engineer, second engineer and three other crew members.
All nine are accused of “causing death by negligence”.
The so-called judge, Hazal Hartzimula, said the “court” had placed 16 people “under arrest” in connection with the case. Nine appeared in court on Monday, while authorities were seeking to bring the remaining seven suspects before the court.
The other seven include company shareholders and employees of the so-called “port authority”, for whom police are still collecting evidence.
The “judge” ordered proceedings to be adjourned before the hearing was due to begin.
Eight people confirmed dead
So-called police assistant inspector Mehmet Manmas told the court that the vessel sank approximately four nautical miles from Kyrenia after its left bridge broke.
He said 239 of the 267 people on board – 259 passengers and eight crew members – were rescued alive. Eight people died, while search and rescue efforts continued for the remaining people.
Asked about the cause of the accident, Manmas said the investigation was ongoing and that experts from Turkey would investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Vessel had permits, authorities say
Asked whether the vessel had the necessary permits, Manmas said it had approvals from Türk Loydu, a Turkish-origin international company, as well as permits issued by the so-called “port authority” of the occupied areas.
He also said the vessel had received information from the so-called “meteorological service” before departure indicating that weather conditions were suitable.
Regarding the vessel’s maintenance and repair history, Manmas said it had been approved by Turkish Lloyd in June 2026 and had continued operating routes to the occupied areas from Turkey under that approval.
The so-called judge said the relevant individuals and “authorities” should appear before the so-called court to ensure a thorough investigation.
She ordered all suspects for whom arrest warrants had been issued to appear before the so-called court.
Also read: Kyrenia shipwreck: Captain says waves broke the bow
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