Oil contamination has affected coastal areas in Limassol, prompting citizen protests and raising public health concerns after bathers reported black petroleum stains on their skin.
The pollution became apparent on Saturday 12 July when oil slicks appeared in the sea across a wide area of the city’s coastline. Social media posts showed photographs of black oil stains on bathers’ feet, including those of an infant, whilst video footage documented fuel oil deposits on beach sand.
The Poseidonia and Armonia areas appear most severely affected, though similar incidents have been reported at other locations along the coast, according to bathers.
Citizens are demanding information about the contamination and calling for action, expressing concern about what they describe as authorities’ inaction regarding the situation.
“Our feet, even our children’s feet, were black from oil residue that wouldn’t come off with anything. No one informed us or closed the beach. It’s inconceivable to let our children play in toxic waters,” one resident who visited the beach with his family posted on social media.
Authorities are investigating the source of the pollution.
