Two investigations are under way into the maritime tragedy that occurred on August 29 in the sea area between Konnos and Cape Greco in Protaras, according to the Deputy Ministry of Shipping.
The deputy ministry told Politis that separate investigations are being conducted into the events of August 29.
"The investigation into the accident involving the passenger vessel is being carried out by the Marine Accidents and Incidents Investigation Service, while the investigation into the recreational vessel is being conducted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping. The investigation into both accidents is ongoing and the objective is to complete it as soon as possible. Once the investigations are completed, a separate marine accident investigation report will be prepared for each vessel," the ministry said.
Regarding legislative changes being promoted to address gaps highlighted by the incident, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping said that the Council of Ministers decided on September 2, 2026, to proceed with interim measures until the issue of sailing prohibitions and the relocation of vessels to safe shelters is fully addressed through pending legislation establishing a Coast Guard Service.
"The Council of Ministers, at its meeting of September 2, 2026, decided that, until the issue of prohibiting the departure of ships/vessels from the territory of the Republic and/or their relocation to a safe shelter or port when adverse weather conditions prevail is definitively resolved in the legislation currently under preparation for the establishment of the Republic's Coast Guard Service, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping should prepare, in cooperation with all the stakeholders involved, either an amending bill to existing legislation or draft regulations under existing legislation," the ministry said.
To that end, the deputy ministry is preparing draft regulations under the laws ratifying the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and related legislation.
On the timetable for their completion, the ministry said the regulations are currently being formulated in cooperation with other public-sector bodies.
"Once the drafting of the above-mentioned regulations has been completed, in cooperation with the other competent authorities, and after legal scrutiny by the Legal Service of the Republic, they will be submitted to the House of Representatives for approval as soon as possible," the ministry said.
On August 29, two vessels sank in rough seas, resulting in the death of Dimi Mavropoulos. Other passengers were injured but rescued.
Anchorage committee planned
Among the measures being promoted is the establishment of an anchorage committee, chaired by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and comprising all relevant state and other services.
The committee will examine issues relating to maritime safety, conditions for vessels remaining at anchor, and the collection and proper management of waste, with the aim of improving coordination among state services operating at sea and clarifying responsibilities.
According to the deputy ministry, the committee's work is already under way and is separate from the regulations being drafted on sailing prohibitions during adverse weather conditions.
