A floating dock sank off the coast of Limassol on Tuesday, the fisheries department said.

It added that the dock was around 1.8 nautical miles off the coast, and that the sea in that area is around 80 or 90 metres deep.

Additionally, it said it was “informed in a timely manner” of the incident and that it has “been in constant communication with the competent authorities”, as well as with private companies which have undertaken the task of managing the incident.

It said there was a “small amount of light fuel” on board the dock when it sank, and that “it is for this reason that [the department] … has been present in the area with specially equipped vessels and human resources”.

“The primary objective is to ensure the immediate response and prevention of any possible environmental impacts from the incident,” it said.

It added that “small patches of solid residues” have been identified on a nearby beach, with staff from the department having been deployed to collect them.

However, it said, “it has not been proven” that the residues are linked to the dock’s sinking.

“The situation for both incidents is so far assessed as manageable and there is no risk to bathers,” the department said, adding that it will “continue to closely monitor developments and take all necessary actions in a timely manner to protect the marine environment”.