9 people arrested in Kyrenia ship disaster

As the investigation continues into the ship disaster that occurred yesterday off the coast of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which claimed the lives of 8 people, a new development has occurred in the legal process. The Kyrenia Court has decided to keep 9 suspects in custody for 3 days, taking into account that the investigation is ongoing.

It was stated that within the scope of the ongoing investigation, research is continuing regarding the ship's voyage documents, its technical condition, the conduct of the crew during the evacuation, and the potential responsibilities of the company shareholders.

"IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SEA CONDITIONS DID NOT PREVENT THE VOYAGE"

According to information presented in court, no evidence has been found so far suggesting that the ship was carrying passengers beyond its capacity. It was determined that at the time the ship left the port, weather and sea conditions did not pose an obstacle to the voyage, and there was no impediment to the ship's departure in waves of up to 3 meters. It was reported to the court that the ship's permits and voyage documents were complete, it was found suitable for voyages in international waters, and its last inspection was carried out on June 2, 2026. Information that the ship was damaged in an accident approximately 12 years ago, was subsequently repaired, and received a new voyage permit in 2024 has also been included in the investigation file.

ALLEGATION THAT THE SHIP CONTINUED ITS JOURNEY AFTER SUSTAINING DAMAGE IS BEING INVESTIGATED

In some statements taken by the police, allegations were made that the ship continued its journey despite sustaining damage. It was noted that allegations regarding the ship being damaged during an operation carried out in Turkey will also be investigated within the scope of the inquiry. It was reported that footage taken by passengers will also be examined by the police. Within the scope of the investigation, the technical condition of the ship and whether there was any intent in the occurrence of the accident are also being researched.

CREW'S CONDUCT DURING EVACUATION UNDER SCRUTINY

In some statements given to the court, it was alleged that the crew did not have sufficient knowledge about life jackets and did not assist passengers who needed to be evacuated. The defense side claimed that the crew assisted passengers with life jackets and life rafts. The police informed the court that some statements indicated that passengers were not assisted. The information that there was a sufficient number of life rafts on the ship was also brought up during the hearing.

SECOND CAPTAIN REPORTEDLY MADE A DISTRESS CALL

It was also conveyed to the court that the second captain made a distress call within the scope of the investigation. It was stated that one of the suspects, Serkan Erol, told the ship's captain that the bow of the ship had broken. It was noted that whether Erol could see the section in question and the accuracy of his statement are being investigated by the police. It was reported that the investigation into the captain's official captaincy certificate is also ongoing.

RESPONSIBILITY OF COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS TO BE INVESTIGATED

It was stated in court that the investigation would not be limited only to the ship's captain and crew, and that whether the ship company's shareholders had any responsibility in the accident would also be investigated. During the hearing, the names of Sadık Akyüz, Ramazan Akyüz, Harun Erhun, Bekir Hürdeniz, and Metin Osmancıoğlu were also brought up as company shareholders.

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WHAT DID THE CAPTAIN SAY IN HIS DEFENSE?

In their statements in court, the captain and crew argued that the accident began due to the effect of the waves. The statements indicated that the front part of the ship broke off due to the waves and that the ship subsequently capsized.

The captain and crew also stated that according to meteorological data, there were no problems at the start of the voyage, and that the ship's certification possessed the necessary permits from both a navigational and administrative perspective.