Cyprus introduces new maritime safety measures following fatal accident

Following a maritime tragedy on August 29 at Cape Greco, which resulted in the death of Dimis Mavropoulos, the Cypriot government has moved to address critical gaps in maritime safety regulations. The fatal incident, occurring during severe weather, involved three vessels that were left helpless, leading to a complex rescue operation by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) and the Police Air Wing.

On September 2, the Council of Ministers announced the implementation of transitional measures that allow for the prohibition of vessel departures based on weather conditions and ship size. This initiative serves as an interim solution until the permanent legislation for the creation of a national Coast Guard is passed. Furthermore, the government has decided to establish a specialized Committee for Anchorages, chaired by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, to oversee safety, vessel mooring conditions, and waste management. This committee will include representatives from the Port Authority, Department of Fisheries, and local authorities to unify state coordination.

The Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli, emphasized that these actions aim to eliminate the current fragmentation of responsibilities among state services. The establishment of a formal Coast Guard remains a top priority, with the government accelerating the legislative process to ensure future incidents are prevented through centralized control and improved emergency response protocols.