Justice orders arrest of crew following shipwreck in Cyprus
A court in the city of Girne, in northern Cyprus, has issued an arrest warrant for the eight crew members of the catamaran that sank last Sunday in Mediterranean waters. The tragedy, which so far has left a confirmed toll of eight dead and 18 people missing, has led authorities to launch a criminal investigation on charges of manslaughter due to negligence and recklessness.
The judicial measure also extends to the manager of the company that owns the vessel, Filo Denizcilik. The judge in charge of the case has ordered an initial three-day detention period for the suspects, during which time investigators will proceed to analyze the logbook, examine the technical condition of the ship, and delve into the testimonies of the 241 rescued survivors.
Search and rescue operation
While justice takes its course, rescue efforts are intensifying to locate the 18 people who remain missing. The operation faces a considerable geographical challenge, as the sinking occurred in an area where the sea depth reaches 514 meters.
- The arrival of a specialized vessel from Turkey with advanced technology for deep-sea tracking is expected.
- The vessel, 40.5 meters in length, was carrying 259 passengers at the time of the incident.
- The shipwreck occurred while it was covering the route between Girne and the Turkish port of Tasucu.
Reporting irregularities and security flaws
The shipwreck has uncovered a series of complaints from those who survived the disaster. The testimonies suggest that the ship had faults since its departure from the port and that it was sailing at an excessive speed. Some passengers reported having heard a bang at the bow before the ship capsized.
There are critical allegations regarding the safety protocol, including reports of blocked doors, poor distribution of life jackets, and difficulties in activating evacuation systems. There is even an investigation into the captain’s alleged intention to abandon the vessel during the emergency.
The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Erhan Arıklı, has confirmed that each of the testimonies will be thoroughly analyzed to determine the corresponding legal responsibilities. Currently, the survivors who were treated in medical centers have been discharged, and none of those remaining under observation are in serious condition.
