Newsroom
The cleanup of debris from two vessels destroyed off Cape Greco is set to begin on Tuesday, with specialised crews working to clear the affected area near Konnos Bay.
The operation will involve the collection and removal of wreckage and other waste from the shoreline, sea surface and seabed. A private specialist company has been assigned to carry out the work, with the aim of restoring the area and removing all remaining debris.
The cleanup follows last Saturday's maritime incident, during which three vessels encountered severe conditions near the rocky coastline. Two of the boats were lost.
Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis and Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis met on Tuesday at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to examine the incident and consider immediate measures to improve maritime safety.
A key proposal expected to go before the Cabinet concerns restrictions on vessels setting sail during adverse weather. The proposed rules would take account of weather and sea conditions, as well as the size and tonnage of individual vessels.
Fytiris said he hoped the Cabinet could approve the measure as early as Wednesday. The restrictions would apply during the period before legislation establishing the Coast Guard of the Republic of Cyprus comes into force.
The government approved plans to create the Coast Guard in March, with the relevant bill currently undergoing legal and technical examination before being submitted to the House of Representatives.
Fytiris said the temporary restrictions would also make clear that boat owners who ignore official decisions could face consequences. The proposed Coast Guard legislation is also expected to provide for penalties against those who fail to comply with orders issued under the new framework.
Monitoring of the restrictions is expected to involve the Port and Marine Police, the police force and the Police Aviation Unit. When the Meteorological Service issues warnings about dangerous conditions, authorities would monitor coastal areas and alert vessels outside ports and marinas to return to sheltered locations.
The government is also considering the establishment of a committee to deal with issues relating to anchorages, vessel safety and the handling of waste generated at sea.
Authorities said the rescue operation off Cape Greco was coordinated by the JRCC under particularly difficult conditions. Police and National Guard helicopter crews faced significant risks during the effort to assist those affected.
Fytiris described the circumstances as extremely challenging and said the incident demonstrated the need for stronger safety procedures. He also called on boat owners and the public to follow weather warnings and navigational alerts issued by the Meteorological Service and the JRCC.
The proposed Coast Guard is intended to bring the various state services operating at sea under a more coordinated system, with clearly defined responsibilities.
