A body believed to be that of Mazu Yachts co-founder Halit Yukay was recovered yesterday (23 August) in the Marmara Sea. This follows 19 days of search and rescue efforts after the yacht designer was reported missing by his family earlier this month (4 August). The wreckage of his yacht, Graywolf, was discovered shortly after.
In a written statement, the Balıkesir Governor’s Office confirmed: "As a result of search operations conducted by the Coast Guard Command, the Port and Harbor Directorate and the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, on 23 August at approximately 7.00pm, a body believed to be that of the victim Halit Yukay was discovered."
It continued: "Using side-scan sonar and ROV devices in the divers' inventory, [the body] was detected at a depth of 68 metres on the seabed near the probable collision site. Efforts to recover the victim's body are ongoing."
The incident occurred while Yukay was en route to the Greek island of Mykonos from Yalova, Turkey. Authorities are still investigating allegations that his yacht collided with the cargo ship Arel 7, with the ship's captain arrested on 10 August.
Yukay was a respected figure and a great friend to many in the yachting industry. Founded in 2011, his yard Mazu Yachts quickly made a name for itself producing seaworthy and economical chase boats – and would later carve its own niche in the semi-custom yachting sector.
The Turkish builder has produced several yacht series in the years since, from the 24.9-metre Mazu 82 to its flagship, the 40.2-metre 132 DS. Many accolades followed Mazu Yachts' segue into the 24-metre-plus segment, including for the 28.5-metre Waterlily, which was a finalist at the 2024 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards.
Tributes have since poured in for Yukay. "He will always be remembered for his passion for the sea, his vision and his friendships," read a statement from Turkish yard Mengi Yay. "We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his family, loved ones and the Mazu Yachts family."
Another statement, from friend and N41 Yachts founder Aleksandra Podlipna, read: "Over the years, I have worked with many people in this industry, but it is rare to see someone who doesn't just do their work, but truly lives it. [...] It is heartbreaking to know that such a person has left us far too soon. He will be remembered not only for the yachts he built, but for the way he embodied passion, authenticity and humanity in everything he did."
BOAT International will update the story as it develops. Our thoughts are with Yukay's family, friends and loved ones.