An Israeli man has died after losing consciousness whilst sailing, prompting a major rescue operation off the Protaras coast on Wednesday afternoon.
The Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Centre activated the national search and rescue plan “NEARCHOS” at 3:20pm on 24 September 2025, after the man collapsed aboard a sailing vessel in the “Nisia” sea area near Protaras.
National rescue plan activated for sailing emergency
A Port and Marine Police speedboat was deployed to the scene, whilst volunteers from a nearby coastal vessel and lifeguards from Famagusta Provincial Administration provided initial first aid to the unconscious sailor.
The man was transferred from the police vessel to a state health services ambulance and rushed to Famagusta General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Man pronounced dead at Famagusta General Hospital
Despite rescue efforts and medical intervention, the man was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, according to official sources.
