Cleanup operations begin following Cape Greco maritime tragedy

Recovery operations are underway in the Cape Greco area following a maritime tragedy last weekend that resulted in the death of 77-year-old businessman and former rally athlete Dimis Mavropoulos. The vessels Petsas I and Perla Bianca were destroyed after being driven onto rocks by severe weather, prompting a large-scale cleanup effort to remove wreckage and debris from the seabed, water surface, and coastline. A specialized private company, contracted by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, is performing the work under the supervision of local authorities, including the Port and Marine Police and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research.

The Marine Accident and Incident Investigation Committee (EDNAS) and the Police have launched separate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. While the police are focused on the conditions of the fatality, the EDNAS investigation is strictly mandated for "very serious" accidents involving total losses of specific vessels. A NAVTEX alert issued by the Larnaca Joint Rescue Coordination Center remains in effect, prohibiting unauthorized vessels from entering the designated area between Agioi Anargyroi and Konnos. The funeral for Mavropoulos is scheduled for Thursday, as authorities continue to collect evidence from the wreckage to conclude their inquiries.