Man killed in propeller boating accident

A man was killed in an apparent marine accident in Larnaca on Sunday, with reports saying he was out fishing when he was struck by a speedboat.

(Click here for an update to the story)

Police said they were notified Sunday afternoon shortly after 2pm that a man had been seriously injured in the water at a beach near Oroklini, Larnaca district.

According to officials, coast guard officers rushed to the area where they pulled the injured man out of the water, described by police as 40-year-old Stelios “Steven” Arhontous.

The man was rushed to the Emergency Room at Larnaca General Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Local media said Arhontous appeared to have been struck by the engine propeller of a speedboat under circumstances still pending an investigation.

Police confirmed reports that Arhontous had gone fishing in the area, adding that the victim had no connection to the boat in question.

Reports said Larnaca police have seized the speedboat as potential evidence in what was described as a propeller boating incident under investigation. 

The speedboat captain, described as as 44-year-old male, was arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.