The captain and crew of the Filo Jet told a Kyrenia ‘court’ on Monday that damage caused by powerful waves preceded the catamaran’s capsizing. Their account is being examined alongside the vessel’s technical records, seaworthiness certificates and weather data from the voyage.
Crew’s account of the capsizing
According to reports by Turkish Cypriot media and Anadolu, the captain and crew members said the force of the waves detached or broke off part of the Filo Jet’s bow.
They maintained that the damage occurred before the catamaran overturned.
The crew also claimed that the meteorological information available when the vessel departed did not indicate conditions that would have prevented it from sailing.
They said the Filo Jet held the licences and certificates required to operate the route.
Further evidence requested
Reports from the proceedings said the ‘court’ requested the collection of all relevant technical evidence and data, as well as additional witness statements.
It also called for checks to establish whether a parallel investigation is under way in Turkey.
Investigation focuses on vessel’s condition
The crew’s account comes as the investigation into the causes of the wreck examines both the technical condition of the Filo Jet and the conditions during the voyage.
Investigators are also examining the cause of the water ingress, previous technical inspections of the vessel, its seaworthiness certificates and any data that may be recovered from its ‘black box’.
With information from Anadolu.
