New vessels boost coast guard powers
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.”
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.