Turkish Businessman Found Dead 223 Feet Below Marmara Sea After Yacht Collision

vessel — Image Credits: Turkey Coast Guard Command/X

The body of Turkish businessman Halit Yukay was recovered on August 23 from 68 meters (223 feet) beneath the Marmara Sea, nearly three weeks after he went missing during a yacht trip.

The discovery ended a 19-day search operation that had involved divers, helicopters, sonar equipment, and remotely operated underwater vehicles.

Yukay, 43, had set out on August 4 from the city of Yalova, south of Istanbul, aboard his private yacht named Graywolf. He was heading toward the Aegean island of Bozcaada. Later that day, when his family could not reach him, they reported his disappearance to the Coast Guard.

On August 5, fragments of a partially submerged and damaged yacht were spotted off the coast of Turankoy, near Balikesir’s Marmara Island. Authorities later confirmed that the wreckage belonged to Yukay’s yacht after checking its serial number.

The vessel was brought ashore for further inspection, but despite early searches, Yukay’s body was not found at the time.

Investigators later focused on the possibility of a collision between Yukay’s yacht and the dry cargo ship Arel 7. Evidence pointed to this scenario after scrape marks on the bow of the cargo ship matched damage on the wreck of the Graywolf.

Laboratory analysis also confirmed that paint samples from both vessels were consistent. Photographs of the cargo ship taken before and after the incident showed visible differences in its hull condition.

The 61-year-old captain of Arel 7, identified as C.T., was initially released under judicial supervision but was later rearrested and taken into custody on charges of causing death by negligence.

According to court documents, he admitted that he had felt a sudden jolt while passing near Marmara Island but did not immediately realise it was a collision. He also said he saw wooden debris in the water but assumed it was unrelated to his ship and continued on his route.

Actor Kivanc Tatlitug, a close friend of Yukay, told officials that he had been on a phone call with him shortly before the line suddenly went dead. No contact was possible with Yukay after that moment.

Yukay, who worked as an engineer and lead designer in yacht manufacturing, was well known in the Turkish shipbuilding industry for his projects at his Yalova-based shipyard.

References: turkiyetoday, hurriyetdailynews

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