Two vehicles have remained trapped in Larnaca salt lake for a fifth day after a driver entered the protected wetland last Wednesday and a second rushed to help, authorities said.

Both vehicles became stuck due to rainfall in preceding days, with Sunday's rain making their removal even more difficult. The owners were fined €2,000 by the competent authorities, but will pay far more for their illegal action as they must also cover the cost of extracting the vehicles.

Following consultation between the competent authorities, Larnaca municipality agreed to undertake the vehicle rescue operation and has requested assistance from a private company with large cranes.

"I told them the municipality will undertake to remove the vehicles, however, the cost must be borne by their owners," Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras told philenews. The mayor said the company informed him it has a special crane with long cables that could help, but will require a period of two to three days to make the vehicle removal possible, at a cost of €5,000. He noted the operation is particularly difficult and expressed hope it will succeed.

Last Friday, Larnaca municipality, the Environment Department and the Game and Fauna Service issued a joint statement expressing serious concern about illegal vehicle entry into the protected wetland. They reminded the public that Larnaca salt lake constitutes one of Cyprus's most important natural treasures and is integrated into the Natura 2000 network and the Ramsar Convention, with exceptional importance for wildlife and particularly for the aquatic birds it hosts.

"Since 1997 it has been under strict protection under national and European legislation," the statement noted. It indicated that any activity which may directly or indirectly affect the ecosystem, species or species habitats constitutes an offence under the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife Laws of 2003 to 2015 and the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Laws of 2003 to 2021.

"Despite repeated warnings, awareness campaigns and signage in the area, some continue to blatantly ignore the rules and commit unacceptable actions that endanger the salt lake's ecosystem," the statement added.

Larnaca municipality, the Environment Department and the Game and Fauna Service stressed that such behaviour harming the natural heritage is unacceptable and all authorities in cooperation must impose the sanctions and corrective actions provided by law to prevent similar incidents recurring.

Two cars remain trapped in Larnaca salt lake for fifth day after illegal entry