The serious gaps exposed by last Saturday's tragedy in the rough seas off Cape Greco are now prompting action from the competent ministries, which are moving to address them, at least on a temporary basis.
Following an emergency meeting held yesterday at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in the presence of the Ministers of Justice and Agriculture and the Deputy Shipping Minister, the government is today bringing before the Council of Ministers a proposal aimed at regulating issues that emerged from the tragedy until permanent legislative measures are put in place.
As a result, pending the submission and passage of legislation establishing a Cyprus Coast Guard and regulating a range of related matters, the Council of Ministers is expected today to approve a decision concerning the prohibition of vessel departures, introducing restrictions based on sea conditions and prevailing weather.
With regard to the specific issue, a decree is expected to define when a departure ban is issued and which vessels it applies to. For the first time, such a framework is expected to cover private leisure craft as well.
A second measure provides for coordinated monitoring along the coastline by the Port and Marine Police and the Police Air Operations Unit, with specific instructions concerning surveillance of conditions and enforcement of the decision.
The third major issue discussed during yesterday's meeting concerns anchorages and locations where private leisure vessels remain moored for extended periods without the safety conditions normally associated with an anchorage.
Specifically, it was decided to establish an Anchorage Committee, which will examine issues relating to safety, conditions governing vessel stays, as well as the collection and proper management of waste.
Waiting for the Coast Guard
Following yesterday's meeting at the JRCC, the Ministry of Justice stated that:
"The government is moving decisively to correct longstanding distortions, address gaps and establish unified coordination among state services operating at sea."
Among other points, the ministry stressed that the immediate promotion of specific measures is intended to strengthen maritime safety and improve coordination among the competent authorities.
According to the ministry's statement, the operation carried out last Saturday in the Cape Greco sea area was conducted under the full coordination of the JRCC and under particularly demanding conditions, involving a high level of risk for helicopter crews from both the Police and the National Guard.
"Thanks to the immediate and coordinated response of the services involved, worse outcomes were prevented."
The Ministry of Justice maintains that the permanent institutional solution lies in the creation of the Coast Guard of the Republic of Cyprus.
It notes that the relevant bill was approved by the Council of Ministers in March 2026 and is awaiting legal vetting by the Law Office of the Republic, after which it will be submitted to the House of Representatives.
"The objective is the unified coordination of state services operating at sea, clear responsibilities and accountability. Safety at sea, the protection of human life and the marine environment cannot wait for the completion of institutional procedures. The changes begin now and will be completed with the creation of the Coast Guard of the Republic of Cyprus."
Wreckage removal under way
As regards the Cape Greco tragedy, investigations at the site where the two vessels struck the rocks have now been completed.
Since yesterday, the process of collecting, recovering, removing and transporting all debris and waste has begun.
The operation is being conducted by a specialised private company.
The works will cover:
- The shoreline.
- The surface of the sea.
- The seabed.
The objective is the full restoration and clean-up of the area.
