As part of the investigation into the fatal shipwreck, the detention period of nine people, including three Azerbaijani citizens, has been extended by another seven days.

Operativ Media reports that this was stated by the Azerbaijan-Cyprus Friendship Society.

Another court hearing has been held in Northern Cyprus as part of the investigation into the sinking of the vessel.

O. Hasanoglu stated that no separate charges were brought against the Azerbaijani crew members working on the ship—Rashad Ibrahimov, Gadir Guliyev, and Valeh Humbatov—during today's court hearing. According to him, those detained in connection with the incident are being investigated on charges of "causing death by negligence and carelessness":

"The Azerbaijani citizens should be questioned not as suspects, but as the closest witnesses to the tragedy. It must be taken into account that they were not the primary decision-makers regarding the vessel's operation, technical condition, and seaworthiness."

O. Hasanoglu noted that, unlike other responsible parties, the Azerbaijani crew members risked their lives to help passengers, leaving the ship only at the very last stage:

"As I have already emphasized, they should be questioned as the closest witnesses to the tragedy, not as suspects. We believe that their behavior during the incident and their attempts to help passengers should be fully evaluated during the investigation."

The society's chairman added that the investigation team probing the shipwreck has taken nearly 300 statements since the day of the incident.

O. Hasanoglu stated that all possibilities would be utilized to protect the rights of the Azerbaijani crew members.