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Mazu Yachts Announcement: Founder Halit Yukay Missing at Sea – Search Operations Continue
Mazu Yachts has announced that its founder and designer, Halit Yukay, was on board at the time of the recent maritime incident and has not yet been located. The wreck has been identified by the relevant authorities, and large-scale search and rescue efforts are continuing at full capacity.
The operation is being led by the Ministry of Interior, Turkish Coast Guard Command, Marine Police, Gendarmerie, and Coastal Safety Directorate, with the assistance of volunteer teams.
In its announcement, Mazu Yachts urged the public and media to rely solely on information officially confirmed by the authorities or the company, and to respect the sensitivity of the situation and the dignity of all those affected. The privacy of Mr. Yukay’s family and Mazu Yachts’ team members remains a priority.
“We are deeply grateful for the thoughts, prayers, and support extended to us. Verified updates will be shared through our official channels as they become available,” the statement said.
Incident Summary
On August 4, at 3:10 PM, Halit Yukay departed Yalova alone aboard his luxury yacht Graywolf, heading toward Bozcaada. After losing contact with him, his relatives alerted the Coast Guard the same evening. The following day, parts of the yacht were found partially submerged near Marmara Island. While the wreck was confirmed to be Yukay’s yacht, he remains missing despite ongoing search efforts.
The search and rescue operation for Halit Yukay is being carried out with extensive coordination and resources. Leading the effort are the Ministry of Interior, Turkish Coast Guard Command, Marine Police, Gendarmerie, and Coastal Safety Directorate, working in close cooperation. The operation includes air patrols using helicopters and drones, sea patrols with multiple rescue vessels scanning the waters, and land teams combing coastal areas and rocky shores. In addition, volunteer groups and local fishermen have joined the efforts, expanding the search radius and bringing valuable local knowledge to the mission. All teams are working around the clock to maximize the chances of locating Mr. Yukay safely.
The search and rescue operation has also seen the involvement of notable individuals, including renowned Turkish actor Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, who is a close friend of Halit Yukay. Reports indicate that the last phone call before the incident took place between Yukay and Tatlıtuğ.
Update – 13.08.2025
Halit Yukay is still missing. The captain of a cargo ship has been arrested on suspicion that his vessel may have collided with Yukay’s yacht. Authorities say there are inconsistencies and suspicious details in the captain’s statements.
Update- 16.08.2025
Halit Yukay has now been missing for 12 days. Parts believed to be from his boat Graywolf, including a seat, have washed ashore in Çanakkale.
Update 24.08.2025 : The 19-day search for missing Halit Yukay (43), founder of Mazu Yachts and a respected figure in yacht design and production, has come to a tragic end. His body was recovered at a depth of 68 meters in the area where his boat, Graywolf, was wrecked and partially submerged.
Photo : AA (Anadolu Agency)
