New evidence in the Filo Jet sinking investigation includes WhatsApp messages about prior repairs, shedding light on the tragedy.
WhatsApp messages revealed in the investigation of the sunken passenger ship in Girne.
New findings have emerged in the investigation regarding the passenger ship named Filo Jet, which sank off the coast of Girne, TRNC. WhatsApp messages and photographs examined as part of the investigation have brought the previous interventions related to the broken area on the ship's port bow into focus.
Following the tragedy that occurred on August 30, when the ship sank during its voyage between Girne Port and Taşucu Port in Mersin, the investigation has reached new details through the examination of digital materials.
Police Inspector Assistant Mehmet Mannaş stated in his briefing at the Girne District Court that over 300 individuals have been interviewed as part of the investigation and that official letters have been sent to numerous institutions in Turkey and the TRNC.
Broken section of the ship in WhatsApp messages.
In the WhatsApp messages examined following the statement given by the assistant captain, it was noted that photographs of the break in the tip section of the ship's port bow were found.
According to the information presented to the court, the photographs dated June 17 showed that the mentioned broken section had been superficially repaired. The police indicated that this intervention was carried out by a member of the ship's crew under the captain's instructions and that the photographs were sent to the captain and a company official who has an arrest warrant against him.
The investigative authorities are examining whether the damage to the ship's port bow contributed to the formation of the accident through technical investigations. The ship's maintenance history, previous damage records, and seaworthiness processes are also being scrutinized as part of the investigation.
There were 267 people on board; search continues for the missing.
A total of 267 passengers and crew were on board the high-speed passenger ship Filo Jet, which sank off the coast of Girne. Following the accident, it was reported that 239 people were rescued, while 14 lost their lives. Search efforts for the 14 missing individuals are ongoing.
It was noted that the ship was found at a depth of approximately 554 meters, and the specially equipped vessel Optimus Prime sent from Turkey is supporting the search operations.
Detention period of 9 suspects extended in the investigation.
It was reported that the detention period of the 9 suspects arrested in connection with the accident has been extended for another 7 days. It was announced that some suspects would undergo health checks as part of the investigation, and that 5 individuals with arrest warrants are being sought.
Authorities state that the ship's maintenance and inspection processes, technical condition, and all factors affecting the accident are being examined in detail.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
