Nine suspects under investigation in connection with the Filo Jet shipwreck off Kyrenia will remain in custody for a further seven days, as investigators widen their inquiry into previous damage to the vessel and maintenance and repair work carried out before the disaster.
According to Turkish Cypriot media, the nine suspects, including the company director, captain, second captain, chief engineer, second engineer and crew members, appeared again before the "Kyrenia District Court" on Friday.
They are being investigated on suspicion of causing death through negligence and carelessness, with the "court" ordering their detention for another seven days.
Previous damage under investigation
New information concerning the vessel's condition before the shipwreck was presented during the proceedings.
According to "police", testimony from the second captain indicated that the Filo Jet experienced water ingress on 17 June, when damage was also discovered at the front of the vessel.
Investigators have reportedly obtained a photograph appearing to show that the damaged section was repaired by the captain and members of the crew.
The photograph was said to have been taken by a crew member and sent to the second captain.
Investigators are examining information suggesting that the repair may have been carried out inadequately. The second captain reportedly maintained that the relevant authorities in Turkey had been informed about the damage.
Maintenance timeline scrutinised
Particular attention is also being paid to the vessel's maintenance history.
The "court" heard that the Filo Jet completed maintenance work on 30 April and was certified by Türk Loydu on 2 June.
Just 15 days later, on 17 June, the damage to the front section of the vessel was recorded.
The investigation has now expanded to include the shipyard in Adana where maintenance work was carried out.
Investigators are examining individuals who worked at the shipyard as well as records relating to the Filo Jet's maintenance, repairs and technical condition.
Questions over crew training
The training provided to crew members was also raised during Friday's proceedings.
The judge asked whether the required training had been completed. "Police" said the vessel's logbook sank with the ship and has not been recovered.
Relevant records have therefore been requested from Filo Denizcilik.
However, the "court" was told that investigators have so far been unable to access the requested data because of a technical problem experienced by the company.
Investigation continues
The inquiry is now focusing on several areas, including:
- Maintenance and repair work carried out on the vessel.
- Its technical condition before the shipwreck.
- Training provided to crew members.
- Available company and maritime records.
- The vessel's connection to the Adana shipyard.
Investigators are seeking to determine whether any of these factors contributed to the disaster.
Tensions outside ‘court’
Tensions were also reported outside the "court", where relatives of victims and missing persons gathered to demand justice and answers over the circumstances of the shipwreck.
"We are seeking justice. We will not abandon this case," relatives shouted, while others demanded accountability from those found responsible.
Following the hearing, as the suspects were transported away under police escort, relatives of victims and missing people followed the police vehicles while continuing their protest.
