The Cyprus Search and Rescue Coordination Centre activated the National Plan “NEARCHOS” on 29 June 2026 to carry out an air rescue operation for a 67-year-old Belgian national aboard a passenger vessel.
The incident occurred at 15:20, when authorities launched the air evacuation from a ship sailing approximately 110 nautical miles northwest of Paphos.
The operation was coordinated under the national emergency response framework for maritime medical incidents.
Helicopter deployed for evacuation
A helicopter from the Police Aviation Unit was deployed to the scene, carrying a specialised nurse from the ambulance service air evacuation team of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY).
The air rescue team successfully stabilised and transported the patient from the vessel.
Patient transferred to Nicosia hospital
The 67-year-old patient was handed over to the General Hospital of Nicosia at 18:50 for further medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed the operation was completed successfully under the NEARCHOS emergency response plan.
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