Ankara: Port officials who authorized the voyage of a passenger ferry that capsized off the coastal city of Kyrenia on Sunday have been suspended from duty, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel announced on Monday. In his statement, Ustel emphasized the government's commitment to locating the 18 people still missing following the incident.
According to Anadolu Agency, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with assistance from a Turkish Navy Underwater Offense (SAT) team dispatched from Trkiye. Ustel assured that any negligence related to the disaster would be thoroughly investigated, and those accountable would face legal consequences. The suspended port officials, who permitted the ferry's departure, are under investigation, and new appointments have been made to replace them.
In connection with the ongoing investigation, 14 suspects were brought before the Kyrenia District Court on Monday. The group includes the ferry's captain, seven crew members, a company employee, and two Kyrenia Port officials. Police are actively searching for two additional individuals as the investigation progresses.
Statements made in court by the captain and crew indicated that the vessel capsized after its bow broke off due to rough waves, despite weather data showing no issues at the time of departure. The vessel reportedly had valid navigational and administrative certifications. The court has directed the police to review passenger-recorded videos and investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident further. A technical investigation will also assess whether the vessel had any previous incidents or repairs.
The court has extended the detention of nine suspects, including the captain, first officer, a company employee, and several crew members, for three more days. Meanwhile, five others, including the two port officials, have been released pending trial. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, allowing time for investigators to gather statements, documents, witness accounts, and new evidence.
Relatives of some passengers expressed their dissatisfaction through protests as suspects were escorted to the court. The passenger ferry, Filo Jet, capsized while attempting to return to Girne Port after taking on water through its bow shortly after departure. Of the 267 people onboard, 241 were rescued, eight lost their lives, and the search continues for the 18 still unaccounted for.