Lebanese and Israeli Yachts Stranded in Cyprus
by Nancy Knudsen on 19 Jul 2006
Larnaca marina-host to many different nationalities SW
One of the side effects of the tragic conflagration between Israel and Lebanon this week is the stranding of a number of yachts on holiday from both countries cruising the Mediterranean. Normally they share summer holidays together amicably. This year they are in for an extended holiday cruising, as the Coalition forces have blockaded the Eastern Mediterranean and the yachts cannot return to their respective homelands.
En route from the Greek Island of Sifnos to Crete on Tuesday on Blackwattle, we heard many calls on the radios warning all ships to be alert to the blockade as the risk of being ‘destroyed’, in the words of the VHF broadcast.
Agence France-Presse yesterday reported that Greek Cyprus had become the focus of many of the stranded yachts, with Israelis and Lebanese berthing next to each other in the marina at Larnaca. Cyprus has long played host to the opposing sides of the region, and is reported to be gearing up to play the role once again.
While there is an acknowledged camaraderie between sailors and the atmosphere in the Larnaca marina is cordial, the Herald Tribune reported today that Israeli sailing boats in the marina were not flying the Star of David. In 1985 a PLO Commander killed an Israeli sailor, claiming that he was a Mossad agent.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/25855
