FILO JET Tragedy and Arrests
The investigation into the FILO JET tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of eight people off the coast of Girne, is continuing without pause. During a recent hearing at the Girne District Court, nine individuals were charged with ‘causing death through negligence’ related to the incident. The company director, captain, first officer, chief engineer, second engineer, and four crew members were placed under arrest for three days by Judge Hazal Hacımulla.
A directive was issued to immediately investigate the company shareholders and port officials present in court. This is considered an important step towards clarifying the cause of the accident.
Details of the Incident and Investigation Process
Police Inspector Mehmet Mannaş stated during the hearing that FILO JET had previously experienced an accident 12 years ago in Turkey and was acquired by Filo Shipping in 2024. Mannaş reported that there were indications the vessel had begun to take on water, yet it continued its voyage. On the day of the accident, the ship departed the port with 259 passengers and 8 crew members.
It has been indicated that the vessel capsized due to the breaking of the sled at the front left section, with search and rescue operations resulting in the rescue of 239 individuals, while eight lost their lives. Statements have been taken regarding panic moments during the flooding of the ship and the crew’s inability to assist passengers adequately.
Experts from Turkey are expected to join the investigation to determine the cause of the incident. So far, more than 100 statements have been taken, and the investigation is being conducted thoroughly. Mannaş emphasized that FILO JET had the necessary permits for international voyages and that all required maintenance was performed.
Judge Hacımulla stressed the importance of meticulously examining all details at the moment the accident occurred and ordered that the investigation be conducted without omissions. Additionally, it was noted that there were approvals confirming the presence of sufficient life jackets and lifeboats on board.
The court highlighted the seriousness of the ongoing investigation, noting the scale of damage caused by the incident that led to deaths due to negligence and disregarding the reactions of the nine arrested individuals.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
