Zakynthos Informer Zakynthos Informer
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The shipwreck as we know is an international destination for many, not just Greeks but for many who travel world wide just to take a photo of the beautiful area.
There has been a notification by the Port Authorities of Zakynthos, who have implied a prohibition in regards to the area. At the moment a law stands that no one is allowed to approach the beach area, which can only be visited by boat. This also includes anchorage within the area. The only reason as to why these measures have been taken is the fact that a thorough study needs to take place, whilst strict measurements also need to be put into place following the lands slides in September and then the earthquake that hit our Island in October of 2018, thus allowing visitors on the beach and within the bay area to see the area in a safe and orderly manner.
Zakynthos Informer spoke with a member of “The Association of Professional Boat owners, North Zakynthos”, about the ban and we were informed that the association and other important businesses have gone to great lengths to help finance a study in which the Professor Ethimios Lekka, who is a Professor of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology and Natural Disaster Management (2004) in the Department of Dynamic Tectonic Applied Geology of the Department of Geology and Geo-environment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, has taken on. The study is in its final stages and they are waiting on a final decision that should be made by our authorities after a complete and thorough overview of the study, this decision they are hoping will be made within the first week or so of April, 2019.
The study states that there should be a complete prohibition on the beach area where the land slides took place, whilst the remaining part of the beach will encounter some sort of restrictions but will allow visitors to enjoy the area safely. It is only when these safety measures have been taken into consideration by all that our Authorities will give the green light for them to go ahead and that hopefully will be very soon.
As for viewing the shipwreck from above, the Zakynthos informer had contacted the Forestry Commission of Zakynthos, as there was talk that due to the area coming under forestry ruling that it may be impossible for visitors to travel down the road that leads from the Monastery towards the cove; the road itself, is a road that is one way only and due to the devastating fires that took place on our Island safety precautions on use of the road became a priority. At the moment though, the Forestry commission has had no news as to what may become of the road and they say that there isn’t any type of Prohibition. 
There is still some talk that the authorities may have to do something in regards to the road later but as the season is starting we decided to get in contact with the Chief of Police in Katastari, who would be responsible for applying any precautions that had to be made. At the moment their department have not be told of any prohibitions as far as viewing the shipwreck from above nor closing the road. It was a fact that some tourists visiting our Island over the long weekend were not allowed to visit the area by boat but were able to view it from above, hopefully this will all change as soon as the our Authorities have read and discussed the study provided by Mr Lekka and the ban from visiting our national landmark from sea will be lifted.
