Black box records of the ship accident in Kyrenia were revealed: The detention period of 9 suspects was extended

The judicial investigation into the 'Fleet Jet' ship accident, which occurred in Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on August 30, in which 27 people lost their lives and 3-year-old Anni Asel Hilaloğlu is still missing, continues.

Within the scope of the investigation carried out on charges of causing death due to negligence and carelessness, 9 suspects, including the director of the ship operator company, captains, machinists and crew, were brought before the Kyrenia Accident Court again. Upon request, the court decided to extend the detention of 9 suspects for 7 more days in order to complete the investigation.

It was reported that within the scope of the investigation, 32 days of the 68-day records in the VDR device, which is the black box of the ship, were examined. According to the information conveyed to the court, during the investigations, it was determined that the crew discussed the technical deficiencies in the steering system, radar, cameras and starboard side among themselves.

It was seen that the crew complained that the company did not invest enough in the ship and expressed concerns that the current malfunctions could lead to sinking. In the recordings, it was understood that the second engineer said, "We are the only ones alive on the ship, everything else is half-baked," and that the captain continued navigating despite rumors that the ship was taking on water.

Police announced that investigations are continuing against people who may be responsible for the investigation, and that the number of suspects sought increased to 6 with the addition of 1 more person to the file. It was noted that research on the ship's damaged parts and technical history has been deepened, and that expert committees from Türkiye and experts appointed from universities will prepare a report.

During the hearing, there was a short-term tension in the hall due to the reactions of the families who lost their relatives in the accident to the suspects, while it was stated that the forensic investigations were continuing.