The captain of the Filo Jet ferry, Mustafa Oz, 66, has been named and arrested following the vessel's sinking off the coast of Girne on Sunday, an incident that has resulted in at least eight deaths and left 20 people missing. Survivors have claimed that Oz abandoned the ship as it began to capsize, an allegation that emerged as crew members and company officials were taken to court on Monday.
Oz is among 16 individuals facing arrest warrants as part of a broad investigation into the disaster on suspicion of causing death through negligence. Turkish Cypriot transport minister Erhan Arikli released documents identifying Oz as the captain and stated he was prepared to resign if necessary. The investigation is examining the actions of the captain, crew, company officials, and port authorities. Investigators have reportedly taken statements from over 100 people and are reviewing footage from before and after the sinking.
Sinking Details and Survivor Accounts
The Filo Jet, a double-hulled ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew, took on water and capsized shortly after departing from Kyrenia. Reports from crew members suggest the ferry's bow section broke off, and technical examinations are underway to determine the precise cause. Investigators are also scrutinizing the vessel's technical condition and safety permits prior to its voyage, though initial information indicates it possessed the necessary approvals.
Terrifying footage captured passengers scrambling for safety within the rapidly sinking vessel as it was battered by waves. Rescuers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) pulled 239 people to safety. Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, including claims that the captain ignored warnings about the ferry taking on water and departed the vessel as it capsized.
One survivor described the chaotic moments, stating the boat jolted violently before hitting the sea surface with its bow bursting open. They reported hearing a blast from the ship's bow as it began to capsize, prompting passengers to jump into the sea, many without life vests. This witness claimed the captain was among the first to abandon ship without organizing any rescue efforts.
Ayten Bicer shared a tragic account of losing her 12-year-old daughter, Miray, who disappeared as the ferry capsized. Bicer recounted holding onto her daughter, but a suitcase falling on top of the child caused her to lose her grip. Her daughter's oil-covered shoes then slipped through her hands as she tried to hold on.
Investigation and Aftermath
The ferry had been scheduled to travel to Turkey on Saturday but was delayed due to poor weather conditions. The seas were still rough on Sunday when the vessel departed. Debris, including a suitcase and a sheet of steel, was found scattered on the water on Monday. Divers from Turkey are assisting in the search efforts, which are ongoing in waters over 500 meters deep.
Authorities are also attempting to recover the ferry's black box recorder. The captain and seven crew members were detained as part of the investigation into how the tragedy occurred. The ship's captain, crew members, company officials, and port authorities are all under scrutiny.