The investigation into the death of prominent businessman Dimis Mavropoulos has turned to the findings of a post-mortem examination expected to clarify the exact cause and circumstances of his death after his boat struck rocks off Cape Greco during severe weather on Saturday.
Mavropoulos lost his life when his vessel ran aground amid the intense storm system that swept across Cyprus.
Autopsy expected to provide answers
Speaking on Politis Radio, Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos said the post-mortem examination would play a key role in determining the precise circumstances of the tragedy.
"Today the lawful post-mortem examination will be carried out and from this we expect the exact causes and circumstances of death to become clear, along with the issues being investigated by detectives," he said.
According to Vyronos, the investigation is being conducted in cooperation with other competent state authorities.
Multiple agencies involved
He noted that the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) played leading roles in the search-and-rescue operation.
Authorities are continuing to examine all aspects of the incident as part of the ongoing investigation.
No comment on possible sailing ban
Asked whether a sailing restriction should have been imposed given the Meteorological Service's warnings about severe weather, Vyronos declined to comment.
"You will allow me not to comment on the matter. It is an issue under investigation and the inquiry will determine exactly what happened and whether anything could have been done differently," he said.
He confirmed that weather authorities had issued timely warnings regarding the expected extreme conditions.
Police had also issued public advisories and safety recommendations, particularly for motorists.
Crisis centres activated
Commenting on the police response during the storm, Vyronos said crisis management centres had been activated in all districts and officers responded to every incident brought to their attention.
These included:
- Traffic management operations.
- Fallen trees.
- Blocked roads.
- Assistance to members of the public.
Responding to complaints that there was little visible police presence in some areas, he said officers acted immediately whenever they were called upon to intervene.
Any delays that occurred, he added, were due to the difficult conditions and the large number of incidents unfolding simultaneously.
According to Vyronos, aside from the fatal maritime incident, no other serious injuries were reported during the storm.
