**Cabinet Approves Measures Ahead of New Coastguard Establishment**
The Cabinet of Cyprus convened on Wednesday to approve significant amendments to existing maritime legislation, aimed at enhancing the safety and regulation of vessels operating within the Republic's waters. Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanoli announced that these measures will allow authorities to prohibit vessels from departing the Republic and mandate their relocation to safe shelters or ports. This initiative serves as a temporary solution while the country prepares to establish a dedicated coastguard service.
Currently, Cyprus operates a marine police force, but lacks a formal coastguard, which has raised concerns about maritime safety, particularly following recent incidents. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris highlighted that the sinking of two vessels off Cape Greco during adverse weather conditions over the weekend underscored the urgency of these new measures. Tragically, one of the vessels, the Perla Bianca, was involved in the incident, resulting in the death of 76-year-old Dimis Mavropoulos. His daughter and her partner, aged 57, were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC).
In response to the recent maritime tragedies, the Cabinet also approved the formation of an anchorage committee. This committee will be chaired by the shipping deputy ministry and will comprise representatives from various state agencies, including the Cyprus Ports Authority, the environment department, the fisheries department, port and marine police, and local authorities. The committee's primary objective is to address safety concerns at anchorages, regulate vessel presence, and ensure the proper management of waste. Hadjimanoli emphasized that the committee aims to foster unified coordination among state services operating at sea, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
The establishment of a coastguard service has been in the pipeline since March, when the Cabinet approved a proposal from Minister Fitiris to consolidate six state agencies currently managing maritime affairs across different ministries. The new coastguard is set to be headquartered at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety in Cyprus's maritime domain.
The recent legislative amendments and the formation of the anchorage committee are seen as critical steps in improving maritime safety and regulatory oversight in Cyprus, particularly in light of the recent incidents that have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the current system. The government is committed to ensuring that the necessary measures are in place to protect lives at sea and to enhance the overall safety of maritime operations within its jurisdiction.
As the process for establishing the anchorage committee moves forward, the government is poised to take further action to bolster maritime safety and prepare for the eventual launch of the coastguard service, which is anticipated to play a crucial role in safeguarding the waters around Cyprus.