Black box records revealed in ship accident off Kyrenia: Detention period of 9 suspects extended

The judicial investigation into the 'Filo Jet' ship accident, which occurred on August 30 in Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), resulting in the death of 27 people and the continued disappearance of 3-year-old Anni Asel Hilaloğlu, is ongoing. As part of the investigation conducted on charges of causing death by negligence and carelessness, 9 suspects, including the director of the ship operating company, captains, engineers, and crew, were brought back to the Kyrenia District Court. Upon request, the court decided to extend the detention of the 9 suspects for another 7 days to complete the investigation.

It was reported that 32 days of the 68-day record on the VDR device, which serves as the ship's black box, were examined as part of the investigation. According to the information presented to the court, it was determined that the crew discussed technical malfunctions in the steering system, radar, cameras, and starboard side among themselves during the examinations. It was observed that the crew complained about the company's insufficient investment in the ship and expressed concerns that the existing malfunctions could lead to sinking. The records revealed that the second engineer said, "We are the only ones intact on the ship, everything else is half," and despite conversations about the ship taking on water, the captain continued to sail.

The police, announcing that investigations into individuals who may have responsibility in the investigation are ongoing, reported that with the addition of one more person to the file, the number of wanted suspects increased to 6. It was noted that investigations into the damaged parts of the ship and its technical history have been deepened, and expert teams from Turkey and experts to be appointed from universities will prepare reports. During the hearing, there was a brief tension in the courtroom due to the reactions of families who lost their relatives in the accident towards the suspects, while judicial examinations continue.