Turkish prosecutors have issued an indictment seeking up to nine years in prison for the captain and crew of the 92-metre cargo ship Arel 7, which was allegedly involved in the fatal collision with yacht designer and Mazu Yachts co-founder Halit Yukay earlier this year.
The incident occurred while Yukay was en route to the Greek island of Mykonos from Yalova, Turkey. He was reported missing by his family on 4 August, and after 19 days of search and rescue efforts, on 23 August, a body was located at a depth of 68 metres. The wreckage of his yacht, the 12.2-metre Graywolf, was also discovered shortly after.
In the days following the incident, authorities began investigating allegations that Yukay's yacht collided with Arel 7. The ship's captain, Cemal Tokatlıoğlu, was arrested on 10 August for the charge of "causing death by negligence", yet was released on 23 October pending trial.
According to Turkish news outlet Haberler, a 14-page indictment prepared by the Bandırma Chief Public Prosecutor's Office now requests Tokatlıoğlu face a prison sentence of three to nine years for the same charge. The eight crew members on board Arel 7 and one company official also face one to three years in prison for failing to assist or notify authorities. None of the defendants is in custody. The trial is expected to begin later this month.
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.
Since his death, tributes have 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 remain with Yukay's family, friends and loved ones.