Second drowning near Larnaca breakwaters raises safety concerns

Larnaca, Cyprus. A 35-year-old Romanian mother died and her 12-year-old daughter remains in critical condition after they encountered difficulties in the sea near breakwaters at CTO beach on August 15, the second fatal drowning in the area since June.

Larnaca, Cyprus. The incident occurred after local bodies had submitted written requests for safety measures, warning that water near breakwaters deepens sharply and contains underwater currents.

Second incident near breakwaters

The woman entered the sea at CTO beach on the afternoon of August 15 with her daughters, aged 12 and 14. About 20 minutes after the area’s lifeguard had ended their shift, beachgoers saw the three struggling in the waves and pulled them ashore.

The 35-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Her daughters were taken to Makarios Hospital, where the 14-year-old was later discharged. The 12-year-old remains in critical condition and is being treated on a ventilator.

According to accounts given to police by beachgoers, the incident happened near breakwaters, close to the location of the June 18 double drowning off Oroklini.

Earlier warnings

Two 20-year-old women from Somalia drowned on June 18 while swimming between breakwaters in an area where a lifeguard tower exists but was not staffed this year, including after the incident, due to a lack of interest in the post.

Following the deaths, the Larnaca Tourism Development Company wrote to the Larnaca District Administration proposing a meeting involving all relevant bodies. The company said experts had noted that breakwaters caused the sea to deepen sharply and created underwater currents, making swimming between them dangerous.

The company also proposed the installation of permanent floating rescue equipment, including life rings, at breakwaters.

In early August, the Larnaca municipality and the Public Works Department were informed in writing. The municipality asked the department to examine safety measures, referring to the Oroklini double drowning and supporting the immediate advancement of the proposals submitted.

Signage planned

Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said no measures had been decided following the earlier representations. He said the municipality would take the initiative to install signs warning that the sea drops sharply near breakwaters.

Vyras said it had not been clarified which authority was responsible for the sea area and the breakwaters. The signs are expected to be installed in the coming days in the Oroklini sea area.

CTO beach does not fall within the boundaries of Larnaca municipality.

Lifeguard staffing

Lifeguard coverage in Larnaca district is due to be reduced further from September, with 10 of the 19 lifeguard towers staffed this year remaining operational.

The Larnaca District Administration said the reduction occurs annually when the three- or four-month contracts of seasonal staff, most of whom are students, expire.