Nine suspects held for another week following Filo Jet shipwreck

On September 18, 2026, the Kyrenia district court in the occupied territories ordered a seven-day extension of detention for nine individuals connected to the August 30 shipwreck of the Filo Jet catamaran. Among those detained are the company director, the captain, the first officer, two engineers, and four crew members. They are under investigation for causing death by negligence. Fourteen people have died in the incident, while fourteen others, including children, remain missing. Rescue operations continue with two ships searching at depths exceeding 554 meters.

Investigations have shifted focus toward the vessel's maintenance history and prior mechanical failures. Evidence presented in court includes testimonies regarding water ingress on June 17 and photographic records suggesting amateur repairs were performed by the crew. Authorities are currently reviewing company logs and video footage from two months prior to the incident. While blood samples were collected from suspects for drug screening, results remain pending. Police have questioned nearly 300 individuals and are actively searching for a specific staff member responsible for vessel maintenance.

Public tension remains high, with protests occurring outside the courthouse. Former "transport minister" Erhan Arikli, who faced significant criticism for the disaster, stated he is ready to face justice if negligence is proven. The ongoing investigation aims to hold all responsible parties accountable.