Limassol chamber mourns death of board member in storm

Limassol, Cyprus. The Limassol chamber of commerce on Monday expressed deep sadness over the death of Dimis Mavropoulos, who died aboard his boat during severe storms that struck the island on Saturday.

Mavropoulos was a member of the board of directors of the Limassol chamber of commerce (Evel) and the Limassol regional tourism board (Etap).

Storm rescue operation

Mavropoulos died aboard his boat, Perla Bianca, during the storm. Three boats sank off Cape Greco, prompting the Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre (JRCC) to launch an operation.

Two people were rescued alive from the water, in addition to Mavropoulos.

Warning before worsening weather

Evel president Andreas Tsouloftas said he had been hosted on a friend’s boat next to Mavropoulos’ vessel one week before the incident.

Tsouloftas said they had approached Mavropoulos’ boat by dinghy and told him that others planned to leave because the weather was expected to worsen. He said Mavropoulos replied that he intended to remain for another week.

According to Tsouloftas, Mavropoulos had extensive boating experience and believed he could cope, as he had in similar circumstances in the past. However, he said no one expected winds and waves of such intensity.

Calls over response

Tsouloftas described Mavropoulos as a risk-taker who believed he would manage the conditions, adding that the sea required respect.

He called the incident deeply sad and alleged negligence by the port and maritime police authorities, saying that a timely arrival at the boat might have prevented the outcome.

Chamber tribute

Tsouloftas said Mavropoulos had been regular in attending Evel and Etap board meetings and supported events promoting Limassol and its development.

He said Mavropoulos’ absence from Evel’s session scheduled for next Monday would be immense. The chamber will discuss proposals to pay tribute to him.