Nine suspects linked to the Filo Jet shipwreck off Kyrenia on 30 August have been remanded in “custody” for another seven days.
They include the captain, deputy captain, two engineers, other crew members and the company’s director in the occupied areas.
Families gather outside ‘court’
The suspects appeared again before the Kyrenia “district court” on Friday.
Outside the building, relatives of those killed or still missing shouted “Murderers” and attempted to approach them, but strict security measures were in place.
Investigation continues
The “police investigator” told the “court” that the company’s decision book had been examined. A report concerning an accident involving the vessel in 2003 is also being translated and will be reviewed.
Five more people are being sought as part of the investigation.
The investigator said one of the missing passengers had sent a video to their family showing the vessel taking on water shortly after departing Kyrenia harbour, as well as a broken mooring post.
Nearly 300 statements have been taken, with further testimony still required. The Turkish authorities have also been contacted to verify the validity of the captain’s licence, and a response is pending.
According to the investigator, the captain and crew have not provided statements concerning the vessel’s condition before the incident.
Defence rejects responsibility
A lawyer representing eight of the nine suspects said the vessel had completed 385 journeys between the occupied areas and Turkey.
The lawyer claimed it was normal for water to enter the vessel when struck by pressurised water and argued that neither the company nor the suspects were responsible for its sinking.
The deputy captain’s lawyer maintained that his client should be treated as a witness rather than a suspect. He said she had fulfilled her duties during the incident, assisted passengers and sent the emergency message.
Source: CNA
