Oil spill at Oroklini beach: authorities investigate source of pollution

On September 5, 2025, at around 11:30 a.m., beachgoers at Oroklini beach in Nicosia noticed unusual spots on the water and shore. According to their accounts, oily streaks appeared simultaneously in the sea and along the coastline, immediately raising concern among those present.

Municipal representatives and staff from the Department of Fisheries arrived at the scene without delay. Their swift presence highlights the authorities’ serious approach to the potential environmental threat.

Video: https://t.me/cyprusfaq/6481

During the initial inspection, experts suggested that the likely source of the spill was a vessel located near the coast. Authorities are currently carrying out further checks to determine whether larger amounts of oil products are present in the marine area.

One of the officials — Oroklini Deputy Mayor Neophytos Fakonitis — was present at the scene, emphasizing the immediate response of the local administration.

Fisheries Department staff launched an investigation to identify the source of the pollution, not ruling out the possibility of an accident or leakage from a vessel. Inspections are already underway to detect larger concentrations of oil products in the waters.

Context and possible consequences

Although this incident is currently localized, oil spills along Cyprus’s coast are not isolated cases. For example, in mid-July 2025, an oil leak occurred off Limassol’s coast due to corrosion of an abandoned underwater pipeline. Beaches remained polluted for several days despite the authorities’ cleanup efforts and the use of protective barriers.

In addition, earlier in July, an investigative article claimed that oil pollution along Limassol’s coast was linked to illegal oil discharges from Russian tankers bypassing sanctions. While these allegations require further verification, they have heightened public concern about transparency and oversight of such operations.

What matters now

The investigation by the Department of Fisheries and the municipality continues to determine the exact source of the spill.

It is important to follow official announcements regarding the possible scale of pollution and the measures being taken to address it.

Swimming at Oroklini beach now requires extra caution — until an official safety statement is issued, it is advisable to refrain from entering the water in this area.