The abandoned 'Gökbey' ship in Urla, İzmir, remains stuck due to ongoing legal disputes over its alleged use in human smuggling.
The reason why the abandoned scrap ship named 'Gökbey,' which has a history of over 70 years, has not been removed from Demircili Cove in Urla, İzmir, has become clear. The ship, which was seized on the grounds of being used in migrant smuggling, was returned to its owner following a lawsuit filed by the owner. The fate of the ship is now awaiting the completion of the judicial process.
The abandoned scrap ship 'Gökbey,' which stands out in Demircili Cove known for its natural beauty, continues to draw the reaction of local residents and environmentalists. It has been revealed that the biggest obstacle preventing the removal of the ship from its current location is the ongoing judicial process.
After the ship was seized by the state on allegations of being used for migrant smuggling, the owner filed a lawsuit. Following the court's decision to return the ship to its owner, the process for its removal was halted. With the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change appealing this decision, the process has now been tied to a new judicial ruling.
Now, all eyes are turned to the new decision that will come from the judiciary. If the ruling regarding the ship is in favor of the state, it is planned to take 'Gökbey' to licensed ship dismantling facilities in Aliağa.
If a decision is made to return the ship to its owner, then the owner will be asked to remove the ship from the cove using their own means.
The prolonged presence of the ship in Demircili Cove has also caused discontent among the locals. Urla Mayor Selçuk Balkan previously expressed his reaction to the failure to remove the ship, stating, 'Are the people here Greek citizens?'
In addition to the presence of the 'Gökbey' ship in the cove, the initiation of dismantling operations there has further increased public outcry.
It has been revealed that the owner of the ship is the Istanbul-based Mediterranean Maritime Transportation Company, and it was reported that dismantling had begun using oxygen sources in the natural site status of Demircili Cove.
Upon notification, gendarmerie teams intervened and halted the work. Following inspections by the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, an administrative fine amounting to millions of lira was imposed due to the unauthorized dismantling activity. A criminal complaint was also filed with the Public Prosecutor's Office against those responsible.
It was stated that the ship was brought to Demircili Cove because it was not accepted at licensed ship dismantling facilities due to an injunction placed on it.
Environmentalists argued that the ship owner was attempting to dismantle the ship in the natural cove due to legal obstacles preventing its transport to licensed dismantling facilities. Environmentalists emphasized that the natural structure of Demircili Cove should be preserved and reacted strongly against the region being effectively turned into a ship dismantling area.
According to the records of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the history of 'Gökbey' dates back to 1952. It is noted that the ship, built in Hasköy/Istanbul, has been at sea for over 70 years.
Official records indicate that the ship is 32.73 meters long, 6.1 meters wide, and 2.5 meters deep. It is reported that 'Gökbey' has a gross tonnage of 127, a net tonnage of 85, and a carrying capacity of 231.83 DWT.
The future of the ship, which has become the focus of environmental discussions in Demircili Cove, will be clarified by the decision that will emerge from the judiciary.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
