Storm in Cyprus claims life of businessman and former rally driver, injures his daughter and companion

The terrible weather that gripped the southeastern shores of Cyprus brought a tragic Sunday to the maritime area near Cape Greco. A frightening scenario unfolded as powerful waves and furious wind turned a routine outing at sea into a disaster with deadly consequences.

Dimis Mavropoulos, a respected 76-year-old entrepreneur from Limassol and a well-known name in Cypriot motorsport history, died in a shocking manner. His boat was violently catapulted against the rock formations, killing him instantly, while his group struggled to cope with the unpredictable weather conditions between Cape Greco and Konnos beach.

At least three vessels were caught off guard by the sea’s sudden fury. The storm’s destructive force seized two of them, smashing them against the steep cliffs of the Agioi Anargyroi coastline and causing irreparable damage to their structures.

In a massive effort to manage the crisis, the National Rescue Plan “Nearchos” was immediately activated. Specialized teams launched a complex operation, using both water and air assets. Although emergency crews found Mavropoulos lying unconscious on the hard rock surface and made frantic efforts to revive him, it was too late.

Six individuals survived this painful incident, but not without consequences. The businessman’s daughter and his companion survived, but suffered bodily injuries and had to be rushed to Famagusta General Hospital for specialized treatment.

Mavropoulos was a multifaceted figure in Cypriot society. Beyond his success in the business world, he had left an indelible mark on motorsport. From his early youth he entered racing as a rally driver, a passion that accompanied him for decades and culminated in his visionary initiative to found the Cyprus Motor Museum in Limassol. In this unique space, he managed to assemble and exhibit a precious collection of rare cars and models that marked entire eras.

Meanwhile, the powerful storm did not spare other parts of the island. Record rainfall caused numerous floods, while strong winds damaged residential structures, uprooted large trees, and created numerous faults in the electricity distribution grid. Hundreds of distress calls reached the authorities from stranded citizens, putting the entire state emergency mechanism on full alert, as the severe weather continued to batter both metropolitan areas and remote coastal regions.