Family, friends and people who knew and loved Dimis Mavropoulos are gathering at the Church of Agios Kosmas Aitolos in Limassol to bid him a final farewell.
Mavropoulos, 76, died in the tragedy that struck Cavo Greco last Saturday, 29 August.
How the tragedy unfolded
A severe storm hit Cyprus that Saturday, with winds reaching 11 on the Beaufort scale near the Agioi Anargyroi area of Cavo Greco. Mavropoulos, a well-known Limassol businessman and former rally racing champion, was aboard one of three boats that got into difficulty in the rough seas.
According to the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, the national search and rescue plan, Nearchos, was activated at 2.30pm after reports that people were in danger aboard the three vessels. Two of the boats ran aground on rocks and were completely destroyed; the third also came under threat from the conditions.
Police and National Guard helicopters, special disaster response unit ΕΜΑΚ, police officers and firefighters took part in the rescue operation. Five people were rescued. Mavropoulos was pulled from the water unconscious and airlifted to Famagusta General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His partner and one of his daughters, who were also aboard, were taken to hospital with injuries.
The exact circumstances of the tragedy, including why Mavropoulos was not wearing a life jacket, remain under investigation by police.
A life remembered in colour
In announcing the funeral, the family made a specific request of those attending: instead of black, mourners are asked to wear colour, a gesture intended to honour Mavropoulos's life and memory rather than mark it with mourning dress.
He is survived by his partner, Tovetanka Iokilieva, his daughters Stephanie, Sylvia, Samantha and Angela, his grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.
Those wishing to make a donation in his memory can do so through the following accounts:
Theotokos-Amerikos Argyriou Foundation: CY14002003430000001103001000
Nicholas Zoe Foundation: CY60002001950000357042992947
Donors are asked to note "In memory of Dimis Mavropoulos" with any deposit.
