New vessels boost coast guard powers (Updated)

Three Category B vessels have been added to the maritime fleet of the Cyprus coast guard, Justice Minister Anna Procopiou said on Monday.

“The addition of the vessels is crucial, as it will significantly bolster the surveillance and protection of the Republic of Cyprus’ coastlines, ports, and territorial waters,” Procopiou said.

The vessels were acquired through initiatives launched in 2020 within the framework of the EU. Their cost was borne by EU and Cyprus.

“The Cyprus coastal and naval police currently stand at the forefront of coastline monitoring and safeguarding external maritime borders,” Procopiou added.

“Their role encompasses preventing and combating illegal or irregular migration, patrolling the coastlines and territorial waters, safeguarding port infrastructure and vessels, and responding to asymmetric threats and terrorist activities.”

Police chief Stelios Papatheodorou, also present during the unveiling ceremony at the Limassol port, said that the three vessels, named Pentadaktylos, Kantara and Kyrenia I, will strengthen the force’s operational capabilities.

He added that the vessels can rely on advanced technological features, including advanced navigation systems and thermal cameras enabling distant detection of individuals and other vessels.

Additionally, he said there are currently plans to acquire ten new Category C vessels in 2024. The latter can only operate less than 15 nautical miles from shore, as opposed to the 40 nautical miles allowed for Category B vessels.

Papatheodorou said that global tensions near Cyprus emphasise the need for vigilance and proactive measures to strengthen the coast guard.

He stressed that the ongoing fleet modernisation efforts align with the government’s priorities, especially when it comes to the control of migratory flows.

Furthermore, he underscored the police’s commitment to upholding national and international laws, fulfilling their duties “as guardians of Cyprus’ coastlines, ports, and territorial waters”.

The last incident that saw migrants arrive in Cyprus via boat took place at the beginning of December, when two vessels carrying hundreds of people were found by Cyprus’ port police in the Cape Greco area.