Survivors say captain did not turn ferry back to port — Cyprus Mail
Survivors of the ferry sinking off the coast of Kyrenia said they asked the captain to return the vessel to port when it began taking on water, but he did not listen. This was stated by Ali Mahir Başarır, deputy chairman of Turkey’s opposition New Party, after visiting Cyprus, according to Cyprus Mail.
According to Başarır, all the survivors he spoke with during his hospital visit described a similar version of events: they begged the captain to return to port, but he did not respond. The politician also reported allegations concerning possible shortcomings involving the ferry, the technical team, the captain and other crew members.
Survivor’s testimony
On Monday, Başarır visited the Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital in northern Nicosia. One survivor, who was filmed on video, said that passengers repeatedly asked the captain to stop. She described the vessel’s movement as rising above the water and then dropping back onto the sea, but said the captain did not stop the ferry.
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Başarır called for an investigation into claims of a previous accident, repairs to the vessel afterward, and suggestions that the ferry should not have been carrying passengers. He said those responsible should be held accountable if these circumstances are confirmed.
Statements concerning the captain
Mustafa Koç, the owner of a local boat, claimed on Turkish television channel NTV that Captain Mustafa Öz was the first to leave the ferry when it began to sink. Koç said that he picked up the captain and the first officer on his tourist boat.
Questions have also arisen regarding the authenticity of Öz’s captain’s certificate, which was reportedly issued in Honduras in 2024. Cyprus Mail contacted Honduras’ General Directorate of Merchant Marine to verify the document and is awaiting a response. Öz remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
