Crew of Cyprus shipwreck charged with negligent homicide after eight deaths

A court in the Turkish Cypriot city of Girne ordered the arrest of a ship’s eight crew members after the catamaran sank north of Cyprus, killing eight people and leaving 18 missing.

The court also ordered the arrest of the manager of Filo Denizcilik, the Turkish company that owned the 40.5-metre vessel. The ship was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members on a route between Girne and the Turkish port of Tasucu when it sank on Sunday.

The suspects will initially remain in custody for three days while investigators collect outstanding technical data, examine the vessel’s logbook and take statements from 241 survivors. Authorities also ordered the arrest and appearance in court of seven other people linked to the owning company.

A large search operation continued for the 18 missing people. A Turkish vessel capable of searching to depths of 500 metres was expected to arrive in the area the following day. The catamaran sank in waters about 514 metres deep after sending a distress call at 12:10 local time, reporting that it was taking on water.

Survivors said the vessel began taking on water shortly after leaving port and may have been travelling too fast. Some said crew members ignored passenger warnings. Reports also cited claims that doors were closed, life jackets were poorly distributed and passengers could not evacuate using lifeboats. Authorities said the allegations and witness accounts would be examined. Rescued passengers had been discharged, and none of those still receiving medical care was in serious condition.