Minister considers tighter boat rules after fatal Cavo Greco storm incident

Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris said the government should examine new legislation to allow authorities to prevent boats from departing in dangerous weather and to tighten rules on anchorages following the death of businessman Dimis Mavropoulos at Cavo Greco.

He said Mavropoulos died after his boat struck rocks during a storm, while state services had done everything humanly possible during the subsequent search and rescue operation.

Departure restrictions

Speaking to ANT1, Fytiris said there is currently no legislation allowing the relevant authorities to ban a boat from leaving because of adverse weather conditions.

He said that, even during very rough seas, services can warn captains and strongly advise them not to sail, but cannot legally prevent them from doing so. Drawing on his own experience, he said authorities had informed captains that the sea was very rough and advised them not to go out, but could not impose a ban.

Fytiris said the legal gap should be addressed through legislation covering both commercial ships and leisure boats. He added that penalties should be established for breaches of any future departure ban.

Anchorage rules

The minister also called for stricter regulation of anchorages, particularly in areas that can become dangerous during severe weather.

Under the current framework, he said, boats can anchor in recognised anchorage areas and remain there for extended periods. He said overnight stays should not be allowed, especially in locations that may become extremely dangerous.

Fytiris said any changes would need to be made carefully, as a blanket anchoring ban could affect tourism, foreign vessels, leisure boats and fishing. He said a balance needed to be found because any measure could affect other sectors.

Responsibilities and rescue response

Fytiris said captains also bear responsibility for monitoring weather conditions and forecasts. He said every captain is obliged to follow instructions, research conditions and remain informed through weather bulletins.

Referring to the orange weather warning that had been issued, he said boat owners should have arranged to move their vessels to safer locations. He added that owners should have made arrangements to take their boats to a port or marina to cope with the conditions.

On the search and rescue operation at Cavo Greco, Fytiris defended the response by state services. He said Cyprus should be proud of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, other services and the country’s helicopters.

He said the Republic of Cyprus has one of the most effective search and rescue systems in terms of training, equipment and response time. In this case, he said, state services did everything humanly possible in the shortest possible time.

Fytiris expressed condolences to Mavropoulos’s family, describing the outcome as tragic.