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Limassol, Cyprus - November 6, 2025. 

The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, proudly hosted the presentation of the book "Lifting the Confidentiality – From the Unknown Battle of Phaethon to the World of Business" by Dimitris Mitsatsos, Commander of the patrol boat Phaethon. The event took place at the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol and marked a significant moment of historical reflection and national pride. 

In this compelling work, Mr. Mitsatsos recounts the secret naval mission of the patrol boat Phaethon, which in 1964 engaged in a battle against the Turkish Air Force in the bay of Xeros, an operation that remained classified for over fifty years. The Phaethon, operating with one engine disabled and only one of its five-gun barrels functional due to faulty ammunition, faced off against Turkish fighter jets. Despite the extraordinary efforts of Commander Mitsatsos, the vessel sustained heavy damage. Wounded himself, he executed a forced beaching to save the lives of the surviving crew.

The battle claimed the lives of seven men:

Reserve Ensign Panagiotis Chrysoulis – First Officer, Athens

Petty Officer Nikolaos Panagos – Chief Engineer, Piraeus

Petty Officer Spyridon Agathos – Gunnery Officer, Salamina

Sailor Panagiotis Theodoratos, Kefalonia

Sailor Nikolaos Niafas, Lamia

Sailor Nikolas Kapadoukas, Skopelos

Civilian Volunteer Andis Filitas, Morphou, Cyprus

Through his personal testimony, the author pays tribute to those who fell and those who survived, while also sharing his remarkable transition from military service to a distinguished career in business. The book stands as a powerful tribute to sacrifice, valor, and patriotism, offering readers a deeper understanding of Cyprus’s national history. 

The evening drew an audience of 250 members and guests, including government officials, military and navy personnel, and many prominent leaders and executives from Cyprus’s maritime and shipping community.

The evening opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, President of the Propeller Club of Limassol. He emphasized that, 61 years after the tragic events, tribute is being paid to Mr. Mitsatsos and the crew of Phaethon. His remarks highlighted the enduring values of patriotism, sacrifice, and leadership, while underscoring the importance of preserving national identity. He also spoke of Cyprus’s vital role in the heritage of Hellenism and its deep-rooted connection to maritime history.

Mr. Hajioannou then introduced Mr. Costis J. Frangoulis, the first non-American to be elected President of the International Propeller Club in its 98-year history and President of the Port of Piraeus, a milestone of great significance for the global maritime community and a source of immense pride for Greece. 

In his address, Mr. Frangoulis expressed his honor at attending his first official engagement abroad in Cyprus, highlighting the island’s deep-rooted ties to Hellenism and his personal involvement in re-establishing the Limassol chapter. He praised Commander Mitsatsos as a true national hero and reaffirmed the Club’s mission to foster maritime cooperation and preserve historical memory.

The book presentation featured a distinguished panel. The presentation was moderated by Mr. Christos Iacovou, Director of the Cyprus Research Center. The panel of speakers included Charalambos Charalambous, Vice Admiral (Ret.), Georgios M. Foustanos, author and maritime historian, and Costis J. Frangoulis, President of the International Propeller Club, and the Port of Piraeus.

Together, they offered insightful commentary on both the historical and personal dimensions of the book. They explored the heroic battle of Phaethon against the Turkish Air Force and the decades of secrecy that followed, while emphasizing Mr. Mitsatsos’s unwavering ethos, bravery, and resilience, not only during the mission but throughout the years that ensued. Despite losing the use of one arm and being bound to silence, he forged a new path, beginning a second life and career. At 28, he pursued studies at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), later assuming executive roles in land-based industry and shipbuilding. In 1983, he established the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), which he led until 2020. Today, he holds the rank of Senior Captain in the Hellenic Navy under active reserve status.

Following the presentation, Mr. Dimitris Mitsatsos was honored with commemorative plaquettes presented by Commodore Minas Solomonides, Commander of the Cyprus Navy, and Colonel Asterios Despoudis, Commander of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus. Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, President of the Propeller Club of Limassol, also presented an honorary plaque to Mr. Mitsatsos. 

In recognition of his historic election as the first non-American President of the International Propeller Club, Mr. Hajioannou awarded a special honorary plaque to Mr. Costis J. Frangoulis.

It was an evening filled with emotional intensity and deep sentiment, where historical memory, personal contribution, and a sense of national pride were interwoven into an atmosphere of profound unity and respect. A particularly moving moment was the presence of Andis Filitas and Konstantina Niafa, relatives of the fallen from the Phaethon, who were warmly applauded by the attendees as a small gesture of honor and recognition for the sacrifice of their loved ones. The event was also graced by the presence of Fotini Papadopoulou, daughter of national benefactor Anastasios Leventis, the donor of the two patrol boats Phaethon and Arion, which were sent to Cyprus and formed the country’s first naval force.

The evening concluded with a cocktail buffet reception held at the Amathus Beach Hotel’s poolside area, attended by all guests. Complimentary copies of the book were offered to attendees by the Club.

This memorable occasion was made possible thanks to the generous support of the following sponsors: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank, Lloyd’s Register, Safe Bulkers, Inc., and Tsavliris Salvage Group.

Limassol, Cyprus - On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, convened its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Alasia Hotel in Limassol. The event brought together esteemed Members and prominent figures from Cyprus’ maritime industry, reinforcing the Club’s ongoing commitment to fostering industry cooperation and sector development.

The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and Dr. Daniel Mangis, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, who delivered the official welcome address.

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from the Club’s President, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, who underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and maritime relations between Cyprus and the United States. He highlighted the notable success of the Capital Link Cyprus Business Forum in New York and referenced the recent engagements by Cyprus President, Mr. Christodoulides, in the U.S., which focused on attracting high-value investments from global markets.

Following his address, the Club’s Secretary General, Dr. Loukas N. Barmparis initiated the official AGM proceedings. He reflected on the Club’s key milestones since its establishment and highlighted the successful collaborations that have shaped its progress. He then proceeded with the AGM agenda, which included, among other matters, the approval of the financial statements and auditors’ report for the year ending December 31, 2024, the re-appointment of auditors for 2025, and the election of board members for the next two-year term. Demonstrating continuity and confidence in leadership, all nine incumbent board members were re-elected, reaffirming their commitment to the Club’s mission and future initiatives. 

Subsequently, on April 30th, the formal constitution of the newly elected board took place, officially establishing its structure. 

The evening’s highlight was the keynote speech delivered by Professor Emeritus of Geography and Geopolitics, Mr. George Prevelakis. His invitation was orchestrated by his longtime friend, schoolmate, and Club’s Vice President A’, Mr. George A. Tavliris, who provided a warm introduction. Mr. Prevelakis shared insightful perspectives on the evolving global geopolitical landscape, addressing shifting power dynamics and key geoeconomic developments. His speech captivated attendees, followed by an engaging Q&A session.

Concluding the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a cocktail buffet reception in the gardens of the Alasia Hotel, providing an opportunity for further discussion and networking.

The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, continues to serve as a driving force in advancing the Cyprus maritime community, with the commitment of the board to impactful initiatives and sector-wide collaboration.

The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS), and under the auspices of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, organized a ceremony in Limassol on November 7 to recognize Cyprus-based shipping companies participating in the United States Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) program. The AMVER program helps guide merchant shipping vessels to assist other vessels in distress on the high seas.

AMVER is open to vessels of all flags and nations. Companies participating in this program voluntarily make their ships available as rescue assets in the event of an emergency. Prior to sailing, participating ships send a sail plan, indicating their port of departure, port of destination, course, and speed to the AMVER computer center. In an emergency, AMVER receives notification of a vessel, mariner, or aircraft in distress, and locates and informs the nearest participating vessel of the need for immediate assistance, at no cost.

Since its inception in 1958, AMVER has provided 66 years of search and rescue services around the world. In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard activated the AMVER system for 170 cases, saving 771 lives and assisting another 240 people at sea. The AMVER system had more than 6,345 ships available for search and rescue around the world each day. International cooperation between ships, companies, communication service providers, governments, and search-and-rescue authorities contribute to AMVER’s success in protecting lives at sea.

U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Davis Fisher presented the awards on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard, recognizing participating mariners and their companies. Ambassador Davis Fisher hailed AMVER as an excellent example of mutual assistance and partnership.

“Cyprus continues to make vital contributions to the AMVER program, and that growing support deserves special recognition,” said Ambassador Davis Fisher. “We know that the vibrant Cypriot shipping sector makes a difference in supporting this life-saving program and delivers valuable contributions to the Cypriot economy. Tonight, we celebrate these collaborative efforts for safety and stability, and for providing urgent assistance to vessels in distress at sea.”

For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s unique worldwide search and rescue system, please visit www.AMVER.com