Man killed after lethal storm sinks two yachts in Cyprus

| Freelance News Reporter Published August 30, 2026 2:15pm Updated August 30, 2026 2:29pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A businessman has died after several yachts were forced into rocks by a storm off the coast of Cyprus. At least six people have been left injured after a vessel crashed in choppy seas near Cape Greco on the Island’s southeastern coast. Dimis Mavropoulos, 77, was pulled unconscious from the water by a rescue helicopter before being later pronounced dead. Two survivors were treated in hospital, Sigmalive reported. A witness named only as A Panikos told Philenews said he was taking pictures on the coast when disaster suddenly unfolded. He explained: ‘The first boat was intact, it did not hit the rocks. It was later broken by a huge wave. We tied the rope to a large rock and threw it for the man to catch, because he did not know how to swim.’ Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. A businessman has died after several yachts crashed into rocks in a storm in Cyprus The vessel then broke up in the water as police arrived on the scene, he said. Mr Mavropoulos’s ship tipped sideways into the rocks when two women dived off the decks, Panikos said. The businessman was reportedly urged by his friends to evacuate the boat, but insisted on staying behind to save it from the rocks. Heavy rain and strong winds swept across Cyprus on Saturday, flooding streets, triggering landslides and toppling trees. On the island’s northern coast, a high speed ferry carrying 260 people capsized in the storm near the town of Kyrenia. Survivors arrive on shore after being rescued from the capsized ferry in northern Cyprus (Picture: Reuters) Mayor Murat Senkul told CNN Turk that 159 of the 258 passengers on board the vessel were accounted for. That number is thought to have now risen to more than 200. However, it is understood that the incident caused several fatalities and dozens are still missing. The vessel, which some reports said was a catamaran, began taking in water about four miles off the shore when emergency services including ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Public works minister Erhan Arikli said ‘rough’ sea conditions were complicating the rescue operation. ‘Our priority is to bring our passengers to land without loss of life’, he said. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Lightning and floods leave holidaymakers stranded at London Luton Airport Arrow MORE: Storm Dolly is coming (but it’s not linked to Dolly Parton’s death) Arrow MORE: Mother and daughter, two, die after being struck by lightning News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.