An eyesore ship stuck off the coast of Chloraka could become a sight of the past if local tourism authorities succeed in getting permission to sink it in order to create an artificial reef for divers.
The Honduran-flagged Demetrius II cargo vessel ran ashore on March 23, 1998 in rough seas while transporting timber from Greece to Syria . at the time, the eight crew members were airlifted to safety by the British Military.
Now the Paphos Tourism Board, Paphos Municipality and the Diving Centre Association are examining the possibility of scuttling the 47-year-old ship to develop marine tourism.
If the marine environment accepts it, an artificial reef can develop into a beautiful diving spot within months as sea creatures and plants make their homes there. Reefs are also important breeding grounds for fish , as the young can hide there and shelter from predators. Vessels which are deliberately scuttled are cleaned beforehand to prevent pollution of the marine ecosystem.
“We are waiting for environmental and topographical studies on the proposed project and permission from The Fisheries Department . if plans go ahead, the studies, clean up and sinking will cost euro300,000. It would be a year before anything would happen,” a tourism board spokesman told. “Today Paphos is already quite popular as a diving destination and the creation of such a reef will add to the enrichment of marine life and the underwater environment which could mean the improvement of diving tourism.
Meanwhile, The Paphos Tourism Board has given a nod of approval to the efforts of two tour operators to develop markets for all-year tourism in Cyprus.
Greek company, kavaliero Viajes Travel and handling agent oralia Travel and Tours are building on the success of senior travel which started last October by encouraging visitors of all ages to Paphos with flights to 14 European cities.
Several of the weekly charter flight services to cities in Austria Greece, Spain,Italy Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Poland started this week with a full raft of flights expected to be operating by mid-April.
“The move is very positive for Paphos. All of the flights are serving Paphos International Airport which is proof that some tour operators and business people recognise local opportunities,” the sposkesman said.” It won’t save Paphos but will contribute to help the economy. That being said, there is still room for more flights to new and existing markets.”
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