Cabinet to introduce weather-based sailing bans after Cape Greco sinkings

Nicosia, Cyprus. The cabinet is expected to introduce sailing bans based on weather conditions and vessel size following the sinking of two vessels in rough seas off Cape Greco at the weekend, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said on Tuesday. The measures will remain in force until parliament passes legislation establishing a coastguard.

Maritime safety meeting

The announcement followed a meeting at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), attended by Fitiris, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and others.

The meeting focused on maritime safety and measures to protect people during dangerous weather conditions after Saturday’s incident off Cape Greco.

Investigation into death

Police and the deputy shipping ministry are jointly investigating the death of 76-year-old Dimis Mavropoulos, who was aboard one of the vessels that sank, the Perla Bianca.

His daughter and his 57-year-old partner were rescued from the vessel during a JRCC operation.

Coastguard legislation

Fitiris said the incident had led the relevant ministers to consider measures for the transitional period before the coastguard becomes fully operational.

The cabinet has already approved the establishment of the coastguard, which Fitiris said would provide “unified coordination for all maritime activities”.

“Today there is a fragmentation of responsibilities which we have identified for the past 60 years,” he said, adding that this was why the government decided in March to establish the coastguard.

The bill is undergoing legal vetting before being sent to parliament, where the government will seek its passage as a priority.

Weather office authority

On Sunday, the met office said it did not have the authority to prevent vessels from heading out to sea in rough weather.