Authorities investigate persistent marine pollution in Limassol

Persistent marine pollution has plagued the beaches of Limassol, Cyprus, for the past several summers, causing significant public concern. Swimmers have consistently reported encountering unpleasant odors, floating debris, foam, and unidentified substances in the water over the last two to three weeks. These recurring environmental issues have led to widespread public outcry, with citizens demanding urgent action from the relevant authorities to identify the source of the contamination.

In response to the mounting pressure, a high-level meeting was convened at the Shipping Deputy Ministry on August 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to address the crisis. Investigators are currently examining multiple potential sources of pollution, including commercial vessels, yachts, ports, and the anchorage area in Limassol. Furthermore, officials are scrutinizing the functionality of the sewage treatment plant located in Moni, which has been identified as a possible contributing factor to the environmental degradation.

Currently, there is no definitive conclusion regarding the origin of the pollutants. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the contamination stems from maritime traffic or land-based infrastructure failures. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with the latest meeting serving as a critical step in coordinating an inter-agency response to restore water quality in the Gulf of Limassol.