Toxic waste discovered at Larnaca beach

A LARNACA beach had to be evacuated yesterday after the discovery of a barrel containing toxic material.

Authorities had to scramble to the Yiannades area after two lifeguards discovered a barrel half-full of Hydrozene – propellant used in aircraft and ship engines — floating near the beach.

The two lifeguards, who dragged the barrel on the beach, were rushed to hospital as a precaution.

The two were kept for observation though no direct contact had been made with the material.

The beach was evacuated and sealed-off by the police and the fire service who conducted a search to determine whether the sea had been contaminated.

Authorities suspect that the barrel had been dumped in the sea by a passing vessel and
Immediately launched an investigation to track it down.

The chairman of the Oroklini community council said there was no cause for concern and the beach was reopened for public use.