Ship still stranded in Paphos

THE large commercial ship which ran aground in Paphos during bad weather on Thursday morning is still stranded on the rocks.

According to Paphos police the vessel – which was on its way to Rhodes from Limassol when it was grounded- is still stuck on the rocks, 15m from shore in Paphos’ Sea Caves area.

“The ship’s captain and first engineer have remained on board the vessel, but the rest of the crew have been transferred to a hotel in Limassol,” said the police spokesman.

No-one was hurt during the incident, but the crew of seven was airlifted to safety by a police helicopter.

An investigation into the incident is still under way according to Peyia police, who confirmed the ship had run aground due to bad weather.

“The situation remains the same and we have no idea how long the vessel will remain in place,” a Peyia police spokesman said, adding: “I believe the naval department is taking over the case.”

He also said the vessel’s owner and agent had been contacted and that “the wind speeds at the time of the incident were gale force – at around 8 on the Beaufort scale, (74kmph)”.

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