The ships in Larnaca attracted crowds. Families waited in long lines.

The ships in Larnaca attracted crowds of visitors on Thursday, October 1st. To celebrate Independence Day, residents and tourists were able to board the Cypriot patrol vessel Ioannidis and the Greek frigate Nikiforos Fokas. According to reports from the event, the queue outside the port stretched for hundreds of meters.

Demand was so high that the planned break between 2:00 and 4:00 PM was canceled. The crews continued to welcome guests. Many families with children were among the visitors, who were able to see the vessels' equipment up close and interact with the sailors.

The ships in Larnaca were also visited during the planned break

The original program called for two tours: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. However, the large number of people waiting meant that admission to the public continued between these times.

Required security checks were conducted before entering the port area. According to reports from the scene, staff helped direct traffic, and crews welcomed groups of visitors.

The vessels' arrival was part of the Republic of Cyprus's 66th anniversary celebrations. While a military parade was taking place in Nicosia, Larnaca offered a completely different perspective on the navy, stepping aboard and meeting the people who serve there daily.

The youngest looked at the equipment and asked questions.

For families, it was an opportunity to see places usually off-limits to the public. Children explored the ship's equipment and weapons, and sailors answered questions about the vessels and their daily duties.

Visitors took souvenir photos and viewed the parts of the ships that were on display. The military vessels, known to many primarily from television coverage, could now be seen up close.

Meeting the crews gave the event a more personal touch. Besides viewing the equipment, there was an opportunity to discuss working at sea and the responsibilities of those serving on board.

"Ioannidis" - a patrol vessel named after the commander

The Cypriot "Ioannidis" is a seagoing patrol vessel of the Sa’ar 62, built in Israel. The vessel is 62 meters long and entered service in January 2018.

The ship was named after Andreas Ioannidis, commander of the Mari naval base. He was one of 13 people killed in an explosion at a munitions depot in July 2011.

The patrol vessel has enhanced the National Guard's maritime capabilities. Its duties include maritime security and presence in the waters around the island.

The Greek frigate previously served in the Netherlands

"Nikiforos Fokas", with side number F-466, belongs to the Greek Standard-class frigates, also known as the S-class.

The ship was built in the Netherlands and commissioned into the Dutch Navy in 1982 as the Bloys van Treslong. The Greek flag was raised in November 2004.

Its current name commemorates the Byzantine commander and emperor Nikephoros II Phokas. His history is also linked to Cyprus—during his reign, the island returned to Byzantine rule.

On Thursday, both the history of the vessels and their modern equipment generated interest. The long queue and the reception of visitors during a planned break demonstrated how eager residents were to take advantage of the opportunity to board military vessels.

Sources: Reporter, Cyprus Mail, Greek Navy