Met office says it cannot ban boats from sailing during severe weather

Cape Greco, Cyprus. The meteorological service cannot prohibit boats from setting sail in adverse weather, its representative Andreas Chrysanthou said on Sunday, as police continued investigating the death of Limassol businessman Dimi Mavropoulos.

Mavropoulos was pulled unconscious from his yacht off Cape Greco on Saturday after it sank during severe storms affecting the island and surrounding area. He was later pronounced dead.

Weather warning and sea bulletin

Chrysanthou told the Cyprus News Agency that “there is no concept of a ban on setting sail”, adding that the orange weather warning in force on Saturday had forecast the conditions that occurred.

The meteorological service had issued a sea bulletin which specifically warned that waves east of the island could reach almost two and a half metres, he said.

The bulletin also referred to the orange weather warning and made clear that the sea would be dangerous, according to Chrysanthou.

“It had become clear that strong storms were expected in those areas as well, and accompanied by hail and gusty winds,” he said.

He said the sea bulletin is sent every six hours to competent authorities, port authorities, private companies and boat owners.

Conditions forecast

Chrysanthou said the conditions on Saturday were exactly as forecast.

He cited the wording accompanying an orange warning: “Unusual phenomena are predicted” and “Damage and casualties are likely”, adding that the warning urges the public to follow relevant advice.

Police investigation

Police said their investigation is ongoing and that statements are being taken.

They added that no date has yet been set for an autopsy.