Fleet Jet Disaster Investigation: WhatsApp Correspondence and Technical Deficiencies Revealed

WHAT HAPPENED?

The high-speed passenger ship named "Fleet Jet", which was operating between Kyrenia Port in TRNC and Taşucu Port in Mersin, started to take in water from its front part shortly after departing from Kyrenia at noon on Sunday, August 30, and sank while trying to return to Kyrenia Port.

After the ship with a total of 267 passengers and crew sank, 239 people were rescued. 15 passengers on the ship, whose wreckage was found at a depth of 554 meters off the coast of Kyrenia, lost their lives.

PHONES, DOCUMENTS AND COMPUTERS ARE UNDER EXAMINATION

It was stated that digital materials belonging to the suspects were also examined within the scope of the investigation.

It was stated in the court that the phone belonging to one of the suspects was taken as evidence, and the documents and computer belonging to one of the suspects were also sent for examination.

It was noted that investigations on digital materials continue.

BLACK BOX HAS NOT BEEN FOUND YET

It was stated in the court that the black box of the ship, which is important in revealing the reasons for the disaster, has not been found yet.

It was noted that efforts to find the black box are continuing.

THE SHIP'S CERTIFICATES ARE IN THE INVESTIGATION FILE

Documents regarding the voyage and technical proficiency of the ship were also discussed in court.

It was stated that the relevant certificates for the ship were available and procedures regarding the transit performance of the ship were carried out before granting the line permit. It was reported to the court that documents regarding the examination of the ship were received from the Ports Department and had them translated.

It was noted that the crew's certificates were also provided, and some certificates from Türkiye are expected.

WHATSAPP CORRESPONDENCES WERE ALSO IN THE FILE

New information obtained during the investigation into the accident was also presented to the court. Among that information was a WhatsApp correspondence.

It was stated that in the WhatsApp correspondence of co-captain Merve N. Seraslan, one of the suspects of the investigation, dated June 17, 2026, there was information that "the left slipway of the ship was broken and the ship was repaired haphazardly with the knowledge of the captain."

It was noted that the assistant captain reported the repairs in question, and that the captain and an official wanted in the Turkish leg of the company were also aware of the situation. The police also conveyed to the court that in the image sent by one of the suspects via WhatsApp on June 7, it was seen that the ship's slipway was broken.

It was stated that the photographs of the damage on the ship were conveyed to the first officer by another crew member, and the first officer sent the photographs to the company official.