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The Body of Halit Yukay, the founder of Mazu Yachts, Found
Found at a depth of 68 meters: The body of Halit Yukay was recovered on the 19th day of search operations.
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.
Yukay set sail from Yalova on August 4 aboard his private boat Graywolf bound for Bozcaada. When contact was lost, a large-scale search was launched. The following day, his wrecked and partially submerged boat was found off Marmara Island.
Investigation and Wreckage Findings
Parts of the Graywolf were later found near Paşalimanı Island, where experts believe the boat struck rocks before sinking. Prosecutors launched an investigation, and the Marmara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had the wreck towed to Ekinlik Island for examination.
Attention also turned to the dry cargo ship Arel 7, suspected of colliding with Yukay’s yacht. Its captain, C.T. (61), was initially detained on charges of “causing death by negligence.” Though released under judicial supervision, he was later re-arrested in Istanbul after prosecutors appealed. Radar data revealed the ship’s movements in the area, while investigators documented fresh scrape marks on the ship’s bow, absent in photos taken a day before the incident.
Security footage from Izmit Port on August 5 showed the captain and crew inspecting the bow shortly after docking, further fueling suspicions.
Search Efforts and Support
Throughout the search, Coast Guard units, marine police, and specialized teams from several provinces joined the operation with helicopters, sonar, ROVs, and diving units. Turkish renowed actor Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, a close friend of Yukay and many friends and people from marine sector also joined the search teams.
Statement from Authorities
In a written statement, the Balıkesir Governor’s Office confirmed:
“As a result of search operations conducted by the Coast Guard Command, the Port and Harbor Directorate, and the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, on August 23, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM, a body believed to be that of the victim Halit Yukay was discovered. Using side-scan sonar and ROV devices in the divers' inventory, it was detected at a depth of 68 meters on the seabed near the probable collision site. Efforts to recover the victim's body are ongoing.”
Yukay, an engineer and chief designer, was a prominent figure in the Turkish yachting industry through his company Mazu Yachts, based in Altınova, Yalova.
His untimely death has deeply saddened both the maritime community and those who knew him personally.
