Search operations are underway by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca following information received on Tuesday about a vessel that departed from Ashkelon marina in Israel and is now missing. The vessel began its journey on 2 December with four people on board and Crete as its final destination.
According to information obtained by the Cyprus News Agency, the JRCC was notified by the Hellenic National Coordination Centre for Maritime Rescue at 15:00 on Tuesday that the vessel had not arrived in Crete and that its last known position was 90 nautical miles south of Paphos.
The JRCC activated the National Plan “Nearchos” and took specific actions to investigate the incident, such as issuing voice announcements, releasing a Navtex, and diverting passing vessels to pass through the last point where the vessel reported its position.
The searches, which were also conducted during the night, are ongoing. Due to weather conditions, as reported to the Cyprus News Agency, helicopters cannot participate in the searches. This will occur when weather conditions permit.
The JRCC is in contact with Israeli authorities (RCC Haifa) as there is a possibility that the vessel attempted to return to Israel due to weather conditions. According to information, the 41-year-old captain of the vessel has extensive experience as a skipper.
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