No serious pollution issue has arisen in the waters off Cape Greco, where last Saturday's tragedy resulted in the death of businessman Dimis Mavropoulos after extreme weather conditions struck the area and caused vessels to sink.
Investigations carried out at sea with the assistance of divers from the Department of Fisheries indicate that no objects or materials have sunk that would create a marine pollution risk. At the same time, efforts are under way to remove the wreckage of the vessels that sank as a result of the severe sea conditions, using specialised floating equipment from the relevant authorities.
On Monday, a meeting was held at the Shipping Deputy Ministry, during which the causes of the tragedy were examined.
A statement issued by the ministry said that, regarding the sinking of the vessels Perla Bianca and Petsas I on Saturday, 29 August, in the bay between Agioi Anargyroi and Konnos at Cape Greco, the ministry expressed its sorrow over the tragic death of Dimis Mavropoulos, owner and operator of the vessel Perla Bianca, and conveyed its sincere condolences to his family.
The ministry further stated that, in cooperation with other competent authorities of the Republic, it is advancing procedures for the immediate removal of all pollutants and remnants of the two wrecks from the sea.
It also announced that, with regard to navigational safety, a relevant NAVTEX notice has been issued by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) for mariners operating in the area.
The statement added that these actions are considered necessary for the protection of the marine environment from pollution, as well as for safeguarding human life at sea and ensuring safe navigation in the affected area.
"The maritime safety investigation relating to the sinking of the vessel Perla Bianca is being conducted by the Shipping Deputy Ministry in cooperation with the Police," the statement said.
"With regard to the sinking of the coastal passenger vessel Petsas I, the investigation will be carried out by the Marine Accidents and Incidents Investigation Committee of the Republic of Cyprus, which is the competent authority under the Marine Accidents and Incidents Investigation Law."
Multiple injuries
Meanwhile, the Police announced that following the completion of the post-mortem examination on the body of Mavropoulos, it was determined that his death resulted from drowning in water and multiple injuries consistent with the circumstances of the incident.
Members of the Famagusta CID are continuing their investigation into the case.
Based on evidence gathered so far, the businessman was unable to escape together with his partner and daughter, both of whom jumped into the sea and were rescued by a JRCC helicopter.
The two women were transported to Famagusta General Hospital. Mavropoulos's daughter received first aid treatment and was discharged on Saturday evening.
His partner remained hospitalised for treatment, although her condition is reported to be out of danger.
According to information currently before investigators, Dimis Mavropoulos attempted to avoid the collision.
Authorities have begun taking witness statements, and testimony has been provided indicating that he tried to steer the vessel towards open sea in an effort to avoid crashing into the rocks, ultimately becoming trapped in the wreckage.
Another witness account states that while the storm and rough seas were at their height, Mavropoulos could be heard shouting "SOS" from his vessel.
People on shore reportedly attempted to organise a rescue using a rope. However, this proved impossible because of the gale-force winds and the extreme sea conditions prevailing at the time.
