In just two 24-hour periods, the sea became the scene of dramatic events in Larnaca, Paralimni, and Limassol.
A 35-year-old mother who was at the beach with her family never made it back to shore. Two children are fighting for their lives in the hospitals. A 48-year-old man is fighting for his life following a serious boating accident, while a 25-year-old was rescued at the last moment.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The tragedy…
Authorities’ investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy at the CTO beach in Larnaca are ongoing. Statements have already been taken from beachgoers, and the testimonies of the two girls who witnessed the dramatic moments firsthand—since they were in the water with their mother—are expected to be crucial.
The unfortunate woman was at the beach with her husband and their three children. Her daughters, who were in danger of drowning, were taken to Makareio Hospital. The 12-year-old remains on a ventilator in stable condition, while the 14-year-old is out of danger. The tragedy occurred 20 minutes after the lifeguard had finished his shift.
The autopsy on the 35-year-old’s body revealed that her death was caused by drowning.
Water Sports
The 48-year-old man, who was seriously injured in the water accident in Pernera, remains in extremely critical condition at Nicosia General Hospital. A 17-year-old girl is also being treated at Makarios Hospital, where her condition remains stable. The two were injured when a jet ski driven by a minor collided with the inflatable boat they were riding in.
This tragic incident once again brings to the forefront the issue of safety measures in water sports and how their use is regulated. Authorities are also investigating whether any criminal offenses have been committed.
“Law No. 2026, which sets forth all the measures that must be taken regarding the use of such vehicles at sea. The police are investigating whether any provisions of the law have been violated.” Byron Vyronos, Police Press Officer
In any case, according to the law, there should be a specified safety distance between the two water sports, which was not observed. It is also striking that jet skis are not rented to Cypriots without the relevant speedboat operator’s license, a requirement that does not apply to tourists visiting our country.
And while investigations into the two incidents are ongoing, a new tragedy was narrowly averted in Limassol.
A 25-year-old man from Nepal nearly drowned when he tried to make his way back from the rocks to the shore. He did not know how to swim, and in a panic, he grabbed his wife, putting both of them in danger.
The lifeguards responded immediately. Using a rescue board, they managed to bring him ashore safely. The young man received first aid and is in good health.
Watch Katerina Ioannou’s report
