British Bases: 72-year-old drowns in sea off Dhekelia

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British Bases Police made 34 arrests over the past seven days for various offences, including eight cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Officers are also investigating four separate drug cases, with substances believed to be cocaine found in three of them.

A total of 30 road safety operations were carried out across the British Bases area. Officers issued 63 fines for traffic offences and conducted 25 roadside alcohol checks using breathalysers.

Two men rescued at sea

During another particularly busy week, officers in the Dhekelia area confirmed the successful completion of a joint search and rescue operation involving Bases Police, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and Cyprus Police.

The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, when two men aged 25 and 37 were located around 1.5 nautical miles from the shore. Both men were rescued safely.

With several drowning incidents recorded in Cyprus recently, including the death of a 72-year-old man in the Dhekelia area on August 17, Assistant Police Director Chief Inspector Melina Papagregoriou warned of the potential dangers at sea.

“These incidents serve as a timely reminder that sea conditions can change very quickly,” she said, urging people using beaches and coastal areas to stay informed about weather and sea conditions, avoid unnecessary risks and seek immediate help if they see someone in difficulty.

Arson investigation under way

An investigation is also under way into a suspected arson incident in the Akrotiri British Bases area following a vehicle fire on Sunday morning.

Authorities currently believe the fire was deliberately started and that one vehicle was intentionally targeted before the flames spread to a second vehicle parked nearby.

“Our current assessment is that one of the vehicles was deliberately targeted and that the fire subsequently spread to a second vehicle parked nearby,” Papagregoriou said.

She added that investigators were continuing to examine the motive and the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police maintain visible presence

Reflecting on the past seven days, Papagregoriou described it as a particularly demanding week for both Bases Police divisions, involving incidents ranging from protecting and losing life at sea to drug cases, dangerous driving and serious criminal investigations.

“Our officers continue to combine immediate emergency response with proactive policing across both Bases areas,” she said.

“We will continue to maintain a visible and professional police presence, working with our communities and partners to keep the public safe.”


Also read: 3-year-old swept out to sea on inflatable off Limassol
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