The Cyprus Meteorological Service had issued an orange weather warning and a marine bulletin, which warned of dangerous sea conditions in the area

Two yachts were destroyed off the coast of Cape Greco in Cyprus. Dimi Mavropoulos, a Limassol-based businessman and former international rally driver, lost his life as a result. The Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) has reported that three boats encountered difficulties in the area, with two being destroyed after running aground on rocks. Images of the incident published online reveal that one of the yachts involved is the 30.5-metre Petsas I, built by Camper & Nicholsons. The other two are believed to be a 25-metre Versilcraft and a 24.37-metre Fairline 78 Squadron called Phantom.

Warning from the Cyprus Meteorological Service

The incident occurred in the Agioi Anargyroi maritime area, near Cape Greco and close to Ayia Napa, following severe thunderstorms, strong winds and rough seas. Ahead of the storm, the Cyprus Meteorological Service had issued an orange weather warning and a marine bulletin, which warned of dangerous sea conditions in the area and expected wave heights of up to 2.5 metres to the east of the island.

Launching a rescue operation

Following reports that vessels were in difficulty, a major search and rescue operation was launched, involving JRCC, police and military helicopters, a police patrol boat, the Fire Service and ambulances. Six people were rescued during the operation, according to superYacht Times

Rescue services recovered Dimi Mavropoulos unconscious

Rescue services recovered Dimi Mavropoulos unconscious from one of the vessels and transported him to Famagusta General Hospital by helicopter. Paramedics pronounced him dead later. According to local reports, he had become trapped in the wreckage. Mavropoulos was born in Limassol in 1949 and was an important person in Cypriot motorsport. He competed in rallying for over 45 years, driving for manufacturers including Ford and Mitsubishi.

The Cyprus Rally Championship 

The Cyprus Rally Championship was won by him in 1986, 1988 and 1990, with a record being set in the 1990 season after all seven championship events were won by him. In 2014, he founded the Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum. Originally launched in 1938 as the Donna Bella, the Petsas I features the original naval architecture of Charles E. Nicholson and served as a spy ship during the Second World War, equipped with cameras and other secret equipment.

Petsas I was extensively rebuilt  in 1986

 Petsas I was extensively rebuilt at the Piraeus Psaros Shipyard in 1986, and then refurbished and refitted with new engines by Alpha Marine in 2002. Petsas I can accommodate up to 10 guests across five staterooms and has space for a crew of five.

She is composed of a wooden hull and a steel superstructure and is powered by twin Gardner engines, which provide her with a top speed of 12 knots. The story will be followed by SuperYacht Times, which will update the article as more information about the yachts involved becomes available.

Source: Super Yacht Times + Timescies
 #Cyprus Rally Championship # Petsas I #Piraeus Psaros Shipyard #coast of Cape Greco#Dimi Mavropoulos #Phantom#yprus Meteorological #Agioi Anargyroi maritime area #Versilcraft