Istanbul, Aug 31. (dpa/GNA) – The captain and seven crew members of the ferry that capsized off the coast of north Cyprus over the weekend, appeared in court on Monday, along with a director of the company involved, Northern Cypriot broadcaster BRT reported.
The suspects, who are all being held in custody, are facing charges of “causing death through negligence and carelessness”, following the deaths on Sunday of eight people. The case is being heard in the Kyrenia District Court.
Judge Hazal Hacımulla, said a total of 16 people are to be summoned to court to give testimony.
The catamaran was travelling from the Northern Cypriot port city of Kyrenia, known in Turkish as Girne, to Mersin in southern Turkey. There were 267 people on board, including 259 passengers and eight crew members.
Shortly after departure, water entered the vessel, which subsequently capsized. According to a report in the Kıbrıs Postası (Cyprus Post) daily newspaper, Deputy Police Commissioner Mehmet Mannas said, the passenger vessel, operated by Filo Denizcilik, suffered a rupture on its front-left side and capsized after water entered.
So far, 239 people have reportedly been rescued. Eight people lost their lives, while the search for the others is continuing.
Mannas said the vessel had a certificate issued in June 2026 by Türk Loydu, an international organization based in Turkey, as well as permits from the port authority.
Before the vessel departed, weather information had also been obtained from the weather service and was deemed suitable for the journey.
GNA