**Title: “We didn’t know if we’d live”: Survivor’s Account of Cape Greco Tragedy**
**Date: August 31, 2026**
In a heartfelt recounting of the harrowing events that unfolded at Cape Greco last Saturday, survivor Costas Konstantinou shared his experience of battling treacherous seas alongside his friend, businessman Dimis Mavropoulos, who tragically lost his life during the incident. Speaking on the program “Enimerosi Tora,” Konstantinou described the day as one filled with uncertainty and fear, expressing his emotional struggle in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Konstantinou and Mavropoulos were part of a close-knit group that returns to Cape Greco annually for their holidays, treating each other like family. The bond they share was evident as Konstantinou referred to Mavropoulos as a “brotherly friend.” He reflected on the group’s tradition of staying longer than initially planned, often disregarding weather warnings, a decision that ultimately led to the fateful day.
“We didn’t know if we’d live,” Konstantinou stated, emphasizing the sheer unpredictability of the weather conditions that day. He described the experience as one of sheer luck rather than skill, noting that survival was not a matter of being a good captain but rather a series of fortunate circumstances. “I’m alive by luck,” he said, highlighting the randomness of their survival in the face of danger.
During the ordeal, Konstantinou attempted to navigate the rough waters on a single propeller, only to realize that he had struck the rocks below, rendering him unable to escape. He recounted the moment he witnessed Mavropoulos’s boat being destroyed by the waves, a sight that filled him with dread. Mavropoulos, who was at the helm with what Konstantinou believed to be his daughter, managed to reach him briefly before disaster struck. “The boat turned side-on, and a wave threw him onto the rocks,” Konstantinou recalled, a moment that marked the beginning of a tragic outcome.
As the situation escalated, a helicopter arrived to assist in the rescue efforts. Konstantinou made the decision to allow his crewman to be winched up first, prioritizing their lives over the fate of the boat. “I was not concerned about the boat, only our lives, since we did not know whether we would survive,” he explained. The moment he was lifted to safety marked a turning point for him, as he began to grasp the gravity of the situation.
In the aftermath of the rescue, Konstantinou witnessed Mavropoulos’s daughter being brought up from the water, injured and frightened. The emotional toll of the experience weighed heavily on him, as he reflected on the trauma they all endured. “We went through a difficult experience,” he said, acknowledging the psychological impact that the tragedy would have on all involved.
The incident has prompted authorities in Cyprus to launch a clean-up and safety initiative following the fatal sinkings at Cape Greco. Local officials are now focused on addressing safety measures to prevent future tragedies in the area. Additionally, there have been discussions regarding the legal gaps surrounding boat departure bans, which have come into sharper focus in light of this incident.
As the community grapples with the loss of Mavropoulos, Konstantinou expressed uncertainty about returning to the water. “I do not know if I will have the psychological strength to get on a boat again,” he admitted, underscoring the profound effect of the tragedy on those who survived.
The Cape Greco incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of prioritizing safety in recreational activities. As the investigation continues, the stories of those affected will undoubtedly resonate within the community, fostering a deeper understanding of the risks associated with boating in adverse weather conditions.
In the wake of this tragedy, the hope remains that lessons will be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the memories of those lost are honored through improved safety measures and awareness.