Nine suspects were brought before the “Kyrenia District Court” on Monday in connection with the passenger ship disaster off Kyrenia, as arrest warrants were issued for a total of 16 people, according to Kıbrıs Postası.
Judge Hazal Hacımulla ordered that all 16 individuals named in the warrants issued the previous day be brought before the court, Kıbrıs Postası reported. With only nine produced initially, the hearing was adjourned until 11.30am to allow the remaining seven to be brought in.
The investigation, being carried out by the “Kyrenia Criminal Investigation Department,” is proceeding on the charge of “causing death through negligence” over Sunday afternoon’s sinking, according to Kıbrıs Postası. Those under scrutiny in the wide-ranging inquiry include the ship’s captain, crew, company officials and port personnel. More than 100 people have been questioned so far, and investigators are also reviewing camera footage related to the incident.
Crew reportedly say bow broke off
Initial statements from the ship’s crew reportedly indicated that the front section of the vessel broke off, Kıbrıs Postası reported. Technical investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Investigators have also examined the ship’s technical condition and the permits it held before departure, according to Kıbrıs Postası. The vessel had all necessary permits, which had been issued by Turkish Lloyd, the “Port Authority” and the “Meteorology Department.”
Forensic and technical investigations into the disaster, along with search and rescue operations, are continuing, Kıbrıs Postası said.
(Information from Kibris Postasi)
