Search for Mazu Yachts co-founder Halit Yukay continues following cargo collision

Turkish yard Mazu Yachts has released a statement following the disappearance of its co-founder, Halit Yukay. 

The 43-year-old was en route to the Greek island of Mykonos from Yalova when his yacht, Graywolf, was involved in a collision with a cargo ship. He was reported missing by his family last Monday (4 August), with the wreckage of his vessel discovered off the coast of Marmara Island shortly after.

Rescue teams, including divers, have been scouring the area since, but have yet to find Yukay.

"The privacy of Mr. Yukay’s family and Mazu Yachts’ team members remains a priority during this time," read the statement, which also confirmed that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing. "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."

Yukay is a respected figure and a great friend to many in the yachting industry. Founded in 2011, his yard Mazu Yachts quickly made a name for itself producing seaworthy and economical chase boats – and would later carve its own niche in the semi-custom yachting sector.

The Turkish builder has produced several yacht series in the years since, from the 24.9-metre Mazu 82 to its flagship, the 40.2-metre 132 DS. Many accolades followed Mazu Yachts' segue into the 24-metre-plus segment, including for the 28.5-metre Waterlily, which was a finalist at the 2024 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards.

"Halit is a friend and a constant source of inspiration and bold ideas," said Nicola Pomi, head of Volvo Penta’s yacht division. "Today, while we hope and wait, we hold on to his spirit. We are closely following the ongoing search and rescue efforts, and our thoughts are with Halit, his family, and the Mazu team."

BOAT International will update the story as it develops.