The tragedy that occurred yesterday at Cape Greco has sparked a discussion about safety at sea. In our country, there is NO “sailing ban” as exists in other countries, only a marine weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Service.
ANDREAS CHRYSANTHOU – Meteorological Officer “There are no
sailing bans in Cyprus. We don’t have that concept here. All relevant parties communicate with us, and we provide them with individualized updates based on their specific conditions, the nature of their work, and the characteristics of their vessel.”
In fact, several professionals contacted the Meteorological Department yesterday to get an update on the situation.
ANDREAS CHRYSSANTHOU – Meteorological Officer “The professionals
who contacted us did not leave the harbor. Instead, following our advice, they remained in port and did not set out to carry out their own operations.”
For its part, the Meteorological Service had issued both the orange warning and the marine advisory. The weather service’s bulletin, issued at 5:30 a.m., emphasized that for the eastern coast—which includes the Cabo Greco area— winds would be northwesterly at 4 to 5 Beaufort in the afternoon, and the sea would be slightly rough to rough. The term “rough,” as clarified by the Meteorological Service, refers to waves reaching up to 2.5 meters in height.
ANDREAS CHRYSANTHOU – Meteorological Officer:
“In the area where this unfortunate incident occurred, we had the corresponding marine weather advisory. This bulletin highlighted that throughout the entire area, the sea level and wave height reached up to 2.5 meters. It was noted that our coastal areas would experience severe storms, during which winds would intensify, shift direction, and produce stronger gusts.”
Marine bulletins are sent by the Meteorological Service to port authorities as well as to all professionals involved in maritime activities. Whether they are companies or private individuals.
So while warnings and marine bulletins
may be sent to professionals and private individuals, the lack of navigational prohibitions raises serious questions about whether this constitutes a significant safety gap for those involved in maritime activities.
See Eleni Michael’s report:
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