On October 12, 1967, British European Airways (BEA) Flight CY284, operated on behalf of Cyprus Airways, departed Nicosia, Cyprus, bound for Athens, Greece. The De Havilland DH.106 Comet 4B aircraft, a pioneer of commercial jet travel, carried 66 passengers and crew members. At an altitude of 29,000 feet, disaster struck. The plane exploded over the Mediterranean Sea near the island of Kastellorizo, leaving no survivors.
Scattered Wreckage, No Clear Answers
Wreckage and bodies were found scattered across the sea, pointing to a mid-air catastrophe. Initial investigations suggested the explosion was caused by a bomb. However, no conclusive evidence emerged, and many details remain sealed in classified documents.
A Cold War-Era Mystery
The political climate in Cyprus was tense, with conflict brewing between Greek and Turkish communities. Some theories suggest the bombing was an assassination attempt targeting Cypriot militia leader Georgios Grivas. He had reportedly been booked on the flight but changed plans at the last minute.
Simon Hepworth, a retired police officer whose family had ties to one of the victims, described the enduring impact: “For people who lost family members, it’s like a wound. There was no information for decades, so the families were never able to get any kind of closure”.
Families’ Ongoing Fight for Answers
The families of the victims have long sought justice, but their quest has been stymied by bureaucracy and secrecy. In 2021, a review by the Metropolitan Police concluded that leads were not fully pursued in the original investigation. A Met spokesperson acknowledged: “No-one has been brought to justice, and there remain many unanswered questions”.
Classified Until 2067
Key documents related to the case have been sealed by the UK Home Office, not to be released until 2067. The lack of transparency has fueled frustration and speculation. Hepworth and other advocates continue to lobby for the release of these files, hoping to uncover the truth and provide closure to affected families.
Theories and Suspicions
Among the theories, one stands out: Grivas was the intended target, and the bomb was planted by political rivals. Hepworth’s extensive research revealed that a last-minute change saved Grivas but cost 66 others their lives. “He became aware one of his political rivals was tracking his movements and canceled his flight,” Hepworth noted.
A Tragedy Without Justice
Despite the 2021 review highlighting investigative shortcomings, the case remains cold. The Met Police admitted that “a properly managed investigative strategy… may well have identified a suspect group,” but political and logistical hurdles obstructed progress.
The Legacy of Flight CY284
The story of Flight CY284 is a haunting reminder of unresolved tragedies. For families and advocates like Hepworth, the fight for truth is far from over. As he poignantly put it, “There was no commitment to pursue those responsible. We owe it to the victims and their families to seek justice, even after all these years”.
Conclusion
The skies over the Mediterranean have long since cleared, but the shadow of Flight CY284 remains. Until the sealed documents are unveiled, the world may never fully understand what happened on that fateful day in 1967.