**British Bases Open Marine Police Station at Episkopi Bay**
On Thursday, the British bases’ police inaugurated a new marine police satellite station at Episkopi Bay, aimed at enhancing coastal patrols and improving emergency response times in the region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster maritime safety and security in the area.
The new facility will serve as an additional base for marine unit officers, initially operating during weekends throughout the high tourist season from June to September. This strategic timing is expected to maximize the station's effectiveness during peak periods when marine activity is at its highest.
According to the British bases’ police, the establishment of this satellite station will extend the operational reach of the existing marine station located at Akrotiri. This extension is anticipated to enable officers to respond more swiftly to incidents occurring at sea, thereby enhancing overall maritime safety.
Sergeant Nicolas Perdiou, a marine unit instructor, emphasized the significance of the new station, stating, “The opening of our new satellite station at Episkopi Bay is a significant step forward for the marine unit. This facility enhances our operational effectiveness, improves our visibility on the water, and enables us to respond more quickly to incidents when every minute counts.”
In addition to improving response times, the station is expected to bolster public safety in the area. With an increased operational presence, the British bases’ police will be better equipped to assist water users and provide a more comprehensive policing service throughout the region.
The staffing of the new station will consist of existing personnel from both police divisions within the British bases, ensuring that experienced officers are on hand to manage operations effectively. Operations Chief Inspector Ozgur Saadat noted that the satellite station will also play a crucial role in addressing irregular migration issues. He stated, “The establishment of the satellite marine station will contribute to security patrols covering more areas and will further support ongoing efforts to deter, detect, and respond to irregular migration.”
This new marine police station at Episkopi Bay reflects the British bases’ commitment to enhancing maritime safety and security, particularly during the busy summer months. As the facility becomes operational, it is expected to provide a vital resource for both local residents and visitors to the area, ensuring a safer and more secure environment on the waters surrounding Cyprus.