9 suspects, who were detained in the investigation into the shipwreck that occurred on August 30 off the city of Kyrenia in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), were brought before the Kyrenia District Court for the sixth time today. Considering that the investigation is continuing, the court decided to keep the suspects in custody for 7 more days.
At the hearing, new and critical information regarding the technical aspect of the investigation was conveyed to the court. It was stated that the VDR device, known as the ship's 'black box', was found and handed over to the police on September 25, and was taken to Turkey accompanied by a police team on September 30, and the data inside was transferred to a USB memory stick. It was noted that the device and recordings were brought to TRNC on October 1, voice samples of the suspects were taken for comparison and detailed examination of VDR recordings is continuing. The police told the court that expert information was received that the VDR device could contain the ship's cruising speed and direction, conversations in the wheelhouse, radio conversations, malfunction records and approximately two months' worth of audio data.
'INSUFFICIENT AND UNACCEPTABLE' REPORT FOR REPAIRS
In the technical evaluation submitted to the court, it was reported that the previous repairs made on the ship were superficial and insufficient, and the work performed was considered technically unacceptable. Engineers' evaluations stating that a crack caused by the fiber structure of the ship could propagate inside and seriously affect the safety of the ship were also included in the file.
The police also conveyed to the court that the captain's statement that he saw the repairs made by the crew on the ship but did not report this to the company officials was included in the investigation file.
WATERPROOF DOORS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
One of the most striking topics of the investigation was the watertight doors on the ship. In court, it was stated that, according to the statements of some suspects, some waterproof doors, which should have been kept closed during the cruise, were left open.
In expert opinions, it was noted that if the doors were closed, the ship's water intake rate could be reduced, its left tilt could be delayed and more time could be gained for the evacuation of passengers. The police also announced that it was determined that the captain and the relevant engine personnel were responsible for keeping the doors closed.
In the examination of the plans of the ship, it was stated to the court that there were 7 compartments, there were watertight passages in some sections and bilge pumps were used to evacuate the water, but there was no automatic system.
RESCUE EFFORTS WERE ALSO DISCUSSED AT THE HEARING
During the hearing, there was also a discussion about the search and rescue process. A defense lawyer argued that a person named Süleyman entered the ship during the incident and took out two people, and argued that the time and manner of the rescue activities should also be investigated.
While the prosecutor's office objected on the grounds that some questions exceeded the scope of the ongoing investigation, the court stated that the questioning should be carried out within the framework of the current investigation.
The police also informed the court that there were technical reports and information expected from Turkey, and that work on people, documents and records in Turkey was continuing.
FAMILIES IN BEFORE THE COURT
Before the hearing, relatives of those who lost their lives and those who are still missing gathered in front of the Kyrenia District Court. Activists also supported the families who carried photographs of their relatives.
While the suspects were brought to the court, some family relatives stood on the garden wall of the court and expressed their reactions. Extensive security measures were taken in the region.
According to the current data given in court, there were 259 passengers and 8 crew members on the ship. While 239 people were rescued from the disaster, the bodies of 18 people have been recovered so far. Work on the shipwreck and its surroundings continues in order to reach the 10 missing people.
Considering that the technical examinations, analysis of VDR records, statements to be taken and expected reports have not yet been completed, the court ordered the 9 suspects to be detained for another 7 days.
