Cape Greco rescue operation conducted in severe weather after three boats were in distress

Ayia Napa, Cyprus. A major search and rescue operation was launched near Cape Greco after three boats encountered severe weather, with helicopter crews rescuing people forced into the sea.

Footage from the incident showed Dimi Mavropoulos attempting to save his boat before his death, while crews from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre rescued his partner and daughter.

Rescue response

The rescue mechanism was activated at about 2.30pm after the first person in danger was located. That person reached the shore, while a helicopter deployed to the area assisted in rescuing four other people, including two women who entered the rough sea to survive.

JRCC commander George Economou, who was present during the operation, said the rescue was carried out under extremely adverse weather conditions.

“We had a very difficult search and rescue operation, carried out under extremely adverse weather conditions. The three vessels were being hit by heavy waves and the work of the helicopter crews was extremely difficult,” Economou said.

Initial report

Economou said the first report involved a person in danger aboard a boat that had run aground in the sea area between Agioi Anargyroi and Konnos Beach at Cape Greco.

The JRCC activated the search and rescue system, mobilising an Ayia Napa police patrol and a helicopter from the Police Air Operations Unit.

The person aboard the first boat, which had struck rocks near the shore, jumped from the vessel and was recovered with a life ring with assistance from police officers.

While the helicopter was in the area, authorities received a report that two further people were in danger aboard a nearby vessel: a man from Nepal and a Greek Cypriot.