Newsletters
The body of Turkish businessman Halit Yukay, 43, who set sail from Yalova toward Bozcaada earlier in August, was recovered 30 days after it was first located. His semi-sunken and shattered yacht, named Graywolf, had been found soon after the accident.
Search teams finally confirmed his identity at a depth of 68 meters when cameras captured the blue-strapped watch he was wearing as he left Yalova Port. Security footage from the harbor showed him with the same watch on his left arm, allowing investigators to make the match.
Experts noted that his body did not rise to the surface, as would normally occur, because his abdominal cavity had been ruptured.
This condition was believed to have resulted from the impact when his yacht collided and broke apart. Authorities said it was highly probable that Yukay died instantly from this injury at the time of the accident.
Although the body was first detected 19 days after his disappearance, efforts to recover it were delayed. The Turkish navy deployed two specialized rescue and salvage ships, TCG Isin and TCG Alemdar.
Poor weather prevented operations for several days, but once conditions improved, divers using a lift system were able to bring the remains to the surface. The body was then transferred to a Coast Guard Command vessel and later delivered to Bandirma Port.
Following an autopsy at the Forensic Medicine Institute in Bursa, Yukay’s remains were handed over to his family and transported to Istanbul for burial. Investigators believe the fatal incident occurred when his vessel struck the dry cargo ship Arel 7.
The Bandirma Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its inquiry to determine the precise circumstances and establish liability.
1 min read
2 min read
