The Edro III shipwreck in Pegeia

The Edro III cargo ship ran aground off Pegeia in Paphos on 8th September 2011, during its journey from Limassol to Rhodes. The Edro III, an 83-meter-long cargo ship, was built in 1966 by Kaldnes Mekaniske Verksted in Tonsberg, Norway, and was registered in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The shipwreck has since become a popular landmark in the region, attracting visitors who are drawn to its history and the scenic views around it.

Edro III shipwreck in Pegeia

On the night of 7th December 2011, the Edro III set sail from Limassol to Rhodes, carrying a cargo of plasterboard and a crew of nine sailors. Although the weather conditions initially appeared favorable, the ship soon found itself facing dangerous weather. On 8th December 2011, the Edro III ran aground just a few meters from the sea caves in Pegeia, Paphos. Fortunately, all crew members survived the incident and were rescued by a local British military rescue helicopter. To prevent environmental pollution, the vessel’s fuel was swiftly removed from the tanks. However, despite efforts, the Pegeia municipality was unable to move the shipwreck.

The Edro III now lies tilted at 12-degrees and is one of the most important sights of the marine region of Cyprus, protected and included in the Natura 2000 program. The shipwreck adds a dramatic twist to the breath-taking scenery of the sea caves and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals to visit to watch majestic sunsets!