Cabinet approves powers to restrict vessel departures during severe weather

Nicosia, Cyprus. The cabinet on Wednesday approved amendments enabling authorities to prohibit vessels from leaving the Republic and require them to move to a safe shelter or port, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanoli said. The measures are intended as an interim step before a coastguard service becomes operational.

Response to vessel sinkings

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris had said the sinking of two vessels during rough seas off Cape Greco at the weekend prompted relevant ministers to examine measures for the transition period before the coastguard is fully operational.

Police and the deputy shipping ministry are jointly investigating the death of 76-year-old Dimis Mavropoulos, who was aboard one of the vessels, the Perla Bianca. His daughter and his 57-year-old partner were rescued during an operation by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

Anchorage committee

The cabinet also approved the creation of an anchorage committee, to be chaired by the deputy shipping ministry and including relevant state and other services.

The committee will examine anchorage safety, conditions governing vessels’ presence and the collection and proper management of waste. Hadjimanoli said its purpose is to establish unified coordination among state services operating at sea, with clearly defined responsibilities.

According to information, the committee will include representatives of the Cyprus Ports Authority, the environment department, fisheries department, port and marine police, and local authorities. The process to establish the committee is expected to begin immediately.

Coastguard plans

Cyprus currently has a marine police force but no coastguard. The cabinet approved Fitiris’ proposal in March to establish a coastguard service bringing together six state agencies handling maritime affairs across separate ministries.

The coastguard’s headquarters will be located at the Evangelos Florakis naval base at Mari.