Twenty-one rescued after boat capsizes off Cyprus’ Limassol coast

Twenty-one people were rescued after a boat capsized off Dasoudi in Limassol, Cyprus, on September 28, with some of those on board managing to reach the shore on their own.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Lieutenant Commander George Economou said the vessel was relatively close to the coast when it overturned.

“Fortunately, the boat was relatively close to shore,” he said.

Lifeguards were immediately deployed, while a wider search and rescue operation was launched under the national “Nearchos” plan, Economou said.

“Some of them managed to reach the shore on their own,” he added, noting that all 21 people were in good health.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) activated the national search and rescue plan at 11:15 a.m. after receiving a report that the vessel carrying 21 people had capsized in the sea area off Dasoudi.

Helicopters from the police aviation unit and the National Guard’s 460 Search and Rescue Squadron were deployed as part of the operation.

Marine police vessels and a boat operated by Limassol district lifeguards also participated in the rescue, along with Limassol police personnel and ambulances from the state health services organisation Okypy.

All those aboard the vessel were eventually brought safely to shore.

They were examined by ambulance crews and, after being found to be in good health, were allowed to leave.

By Sabina Mammadli