Body believed to be missing yacht designer Halit Yukay found in Sea of Marmara

A body believed to be Turkish yacht designer Halit Yukay has been recovered from the Sea of Marmara, ending a 19-day search that gripped Turkey’s yachting industry and left friends and colleagues in anguish.

Authorities said the remains were found on 23 August at about 19:00, lying at a depth of 68 metres near the wreck of Yukay’s yacht, Graywolf. The vessel sank after colliding with the cargo ship Arel 7 on 4 August. Yukay, 52, was last seen departing Yalova on his 12.2-metre yacht bound for Bozcaada.

“This was a painstaking operation, using sonar scans, remote-operated vehicles, helicopters and divers,” the Balıkesir Governor’s Office said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to his family and to all who knew him.”

Yukay, founder of Mazu Yachts, was a celebrated designer who built his first vessel at age six and went on to establish one of Turkey’s leading shipyards in 2011. Known for sleek carbon-composite yachts up to 35 metres, his designs earned admiration from celebrities and business leaders alike.

The Coast Guard located Graywolf a day after the accident, partially submerged near Marmara Island. Forensic evidence, including scrape marks and paint transfers, confirmed the yacht struck the cargo ship Arel 7. The ship’s captain, identified only as C.T., was detained on suspicion of causing death by negligence after security footage and radar logs linked his vessel to the crash. He was later released under judicial supervision with a travel ban.

Mazu Yachts urged the public to rely on official updates and respect the privacy of Yukay’s family. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder,” the company said. “Halit Yukay was a designer and a visionary who poured his soul into every vessel.”

The tragedy has rattled Turkey’s close-knit yachting community. Colleagues described Yukay as a “passionate innovator” who helped put Turkish craftsmanship on the global map.

Authorities said DNA testing will confirm the body’s identity before final rites are arranged. The investigation into the collision continues.

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