A body believed to be that of Halit Yukay, co-founder of Mazu Yachts, has been recovered from the Sea of Marmara, off the Turkish coast, following a 19-day search operation. The captain of the dry cargo ship Arel 7 has been arrested in relation to the collision.
Yukay, 43, was reported missing on 4 August 2025 after setting out alone from Yalova on his private yacht Graywolf, bound for Bozcaada.
Fragments of a partially submerged vessel were reported on 5 August off the Kapıdağ Peninsula, near Balıkesir province. Authorities confirmed the wreckage belonged to Graywolf through serial number checks, and the yacht was later brought ashore on Ekinlik Island for expert examination.
Search and rescue efforts involved helicopters, diving teams, sonar equipment, side-scan sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
In a written statement, the Balıkesir Governor’s Office confirms that, on 23 August, around 7pm local time, a body “believed to be that of the victim Halit Yukay” was detected at a depth of 68 metres near the wreck site.
Although the body is believed to be that of Yukay, formal identification procedures have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Initial investigations suggest that Graywolf collided with the dry cargo ship Arel 7. Evidence cited in local media reports, including by Turkiye Today, includes scrape marks on the bow of the cargo ship consistent with damage found on the yacht, paint sample analysis and photographs showing changes to the vessel’s hull. Radar records and security footage from Izmit Port of the captain inspecting the damaged bow were also submitted as evidence.
The captain of Arel 7, a 61-year-old man identified publicly as C.T., was initially detained on 6 August 2025 and later released under judicial control on charges of causing death by negligence. Following an objection from the Yalova Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, he was rearrested and placed in custody.
Turkiye Today reports that actor Kivanc Tatlitug, a close friend of Yukay, has testified in the enquiry that he was speaking with Yukay by phone shortly before the line suddenly disconnected. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Yalova continues to oversee the investigation.
Yukay was a respected figure in the yachting industry. He co-founded Mazu Yachts in 2011, which established itself with chase boats before moving into the semi-custom yacht market. Its line-up includes the 24.9-metre Mazu 82 and the 40.2-metre 132 DS.
Tributes have since been paid to 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.”
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