Two investigations opened into Cape Greco boat sinkings that killed Dimi Mavropoulos

Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Authorities have opened separate investigations into Saturday’s sinking of Perla Bianca and Petsas I off Cape Greco, in which businessman Dimi Mavropoulos, 76, died.

Police and the Deputy Ministry of Shipping are investigating the circumstances of Mavropoulos’s death and the sinking of Perla Bianca, while the Marine Accident and Incident Investigation Committee will examine the sinking of the coastal passenger vessel Petsas I.

Investigation responsibilities

The division of responsibilities was clarified during a meeting at the Deputy Ministry of Shipping on Monday.

The police investigation is at an advanced stage, according to Phileleftheros. Officers at Ayia Napa Police Station are treating the case as an unnatural and sudden death and continue to collect witness statements.

Statements had been taken from all four survivors by Monday afternoon, including Mavropoulos’s 30-year-old daughter. A statement is also expected from his 57-year-old partner, who was discharged from hospital on Monday.

Autopsy findings

An autopsy conducted by forensic pathologists Angeliki Papetta and Orthodoxos Orthodoxou found that Mavropoulos died from drowning after suffering multiple bodily injuries.

The injuries were consistent with rough seas and an accidental collision involving Perla Bianca. The findings indicated that Mavropoulos, who had attempted to save his boat, became trapped in the wreckage, suffered multiple injuries and drowned.

Maritime safety inquiry

The Deputy Ministry of Shipping will contribute to the investigation on maritime safety matters, as the sinking of Perla Bianca does not fall within the MAIC’s legal remit.

MAIC will investigate maritime safety issues connected with the sinking of Petsas I under the Investigation of Marine Accidents and Incidents Law, 94(I)/2012, as amended. Its investigation has no criminal dimension, and it will submit a report with conclusions and, where necessary, safety recommendations.

Wreck removal and navigation warning

The Deputy Ministry said it would work with relevant authorities to remove pollutants, debris and both wrecks from the sea without delay.

An open-ended NAVTEX notice issued by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre will remain in force until the process is completed, warning mariners of wreckage in the area. The ministry said the measures were required to protect the marine environment from pollution and safeguard human life and navigation.