Cyprus rescue teams saved all 10 crew members from a sinking Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship on Friday night after launching a rescue operation approximately 90 nautical miles west of Paphos.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca received an alert at 8.15 pm on 30 October that the cargo ship AS DREAM, carrying 10 crew members, was sinking within the Republic of Cyprus’ search and rescue area of responsibility.
The centre activated the national emergency rescue plan, codenamed Nearchos, and coordinated an operation involving military, police and civilian vessels.
Video: Rescue operation off Paphos
The operation involved a helicopter from the National Guard’s 460 Search and Rescue Squadron, the naval patrol vessel AMMOCHOSTOS, the Port and Marine Police launch PENTADAKTYLOS, and the nearby merchant ship MSC HANNAH III.
Under the JRCC’s coordination, all 10 crew members were safely brought aboard MSC HANNAH III.
They were subsequently transferred to the police vessel PENTADAKTYLOS, which transported them to Limassol Port.
Ambulance Service nurses examined the rescued crew members and confirmed that all were in good health.
The crew members were then handed over to the relevant state authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also notified the relevant embassies through diplomatic channels about the incident and the arrangements made for those rescued.
