The captain, seven crew members, and a company employee following the maritime tragedy off the coast of occupied Kyrenia, where the capsizing of the passenger ship “Filo Jet” resulted in the loss of eight lives, while searches continue to locate at least 18 people still missing.

The “legal proceedings” regarding the accident began after the capsizing of the high-speed passenger ferry, which was operating a route between Kyrenia and the port of Tasuc in Mersin.

MYK Video: Nine suspects arrested in connection with yesterday’s sinking of a passenger ship off the coast of Kyrenia were brought to the Kyrenia District Court to be presented before a judge. #MYKHaber #TRNC #Kyrenia #shipwreck pic.twitter.com/wVBBwzUCrK

— MYKibris.com (@MYKibris) August 31, 2026

The “Filo Jet” had departed at noon on Sunday from occupied Kyrenia when, shortly thereafter, water began to flood the forward section of the vessel.

Captain M.O., seven crew members, and a company employee—all of whom had been placed under “detention”—were brought before the Kyrenia “court.”

After verifying their identities, the “judge” ordered that seven more individuals be brought before the “court,” who are being sought as part of the investigation into the “offense” of “causing death by negligence”.

MYK Video: Nine suspects arrested in connection with yesterday’s passenger ship sinking off the coast of Girne were brought to the Girne District Court to be presented to a judge. #MYKHaber #TRNC #Girne #shipwreck pic.twitter.com/wVBBwzUCrK

— MYKibris.com (@MYKibris) August 31, 2026

READ ALSO: It’s not the first time it’s taken on water: The ill-fated catamaran that sank in Kyrenia was 26 years old; anxiety mounts for the missing

What the captain claimed

According to Hurriyet, the testimony of the captain and crew members regarding the circumstances under which the accident occurred is of particular interest.

According to their statements before the “court,” strong waves caused the front section of the ship to break off, leading to its capsizing.

At the same time, they maintained that, based on the available meteorological data, there was no issue that would have prevented the ship from setting sail.

READ ALSO: “We couldn’t find any life jackets; they told us to wait”: Three children among the missing, harrowing accounts from the tragedy in Kyrenia

People are trapped and struggling to get out. A source of mine in Cyprus sent me footage taken after the incident—footage you may be seeing for the first time. It’s truly heartbreaking… Every single second underscores the scale of the disaster once again. Search efforts are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/jAirjDh7bo

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— Adem Metan (@AdemMetan) August 30, 2026

As they claimed, in terms of certifications, “Filo Jet” possessed the necessary licenses both for operating the route and at the “administrative” level.

The “court” requested that all technical data related to the accident be gathered, that witness statements be taken, and that it be ascertained whether a corresponding investigation has been launched in Turkey. At the same time, it ordered that all other relevant documents be gathered.

SEE ALSO: “Turn back!”: The screams and panic aboard the ill-fated boat as it began to take on water | AlphaNews