The process of collecting, recovering, removing and transporting all debris and waste resulting from the destruction of the two vessels off Cape Greco began on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Justice and Public Order.
The operation is being carried out by a specialised private company and will cover the shoreline, the sea surface and the seabed, with the aim of fully restoring and cleaning the affected area.
Ministers meet at JRCC
According to the ministry, a meeting was held on Tuesday at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) involving:
- Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris
- Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Christos Senekis
- Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis
During the meeting, officials agreed to immediately promote a series of measures aimed at strengthening maritime safety and improving coordination among the competent authorities.
"The Government is moving decisively to address longstanding distortions, close gaps and establish unified coordination among state services operating at sea," the statement said.
Praise for rescue effort
The ministry noted that last Saturday's rescue operation in the Cape Greco area was conducted under the full coordination of the JRCC and under particularly challenging conditions.
The operation, it said, involved a high degree of risk for helicopter crews from both the Police and the National Guard.
"Thanks to the immediate and coordinated response of the services involved, even worse outcomes were prevented."
Coast Guard legislation progressing
The ministry said the government's long-term institutional solution is the establishment of a Cyprus Coast Guard.
The relevant bill was approved by the Council of Ministers in March 2026 and is expected to undergo legal vetting by the Law Office before being submitted to parliament.
Temporary sailing restrictions planned
For the transitional period, the government is moving ahead with a Cabinet decision introducing restrictions on vessel departures.
According to the announcement, the proposed decision will provide for prohibitions and restrictions on departures based on:
- Sea conditions.
- Prevailing weather conditions.
- Vessel characteristics.
Increased coastal monitoring
The ministry also announced plans for coordinated monitoring of coastal areas by:
- The Port and Marine Police.
- The Police Air and Special Operations Unit (MAEP).
Specific instructions will be issued regarding surveillance and enforcement of the new measures.
Anchorage committee to be created
A new committee dealing with anchorage areas is also being established.
The body will examine issues including:
- Maritime safety.
- Conditions governing vessel stays.
- Collection of waste.
- Proper waste-management procedures.
Focus on accountability
The ministry stressed that the objective is:
"Unified coordination among state services operating at sea, clear responsibilities and accountability."
It added that the protection of human life and the marine environment cannot wait for lengthy institutional processes.
"Safety at sea, the protection of human life and the marine environment cannot wait for institutional procedures to be completed. The changes begin now and will be completed with the creation of the Coast Guard of the Republic of Cyprus."
Source: CNA
