A major operation to recover bodies and search for missing persons in the waters off Cyprus has been underway since midday.

By 5 p.m., reports indicated that seven bodies had been retrieved, while two survivors were rescued. One was transferred to Larnaca General Hospital, and the other to Famagusta General Hospital.

Announcement from the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC):

“The JRCC Larnaca announces that as of March 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., it has been conducting a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation to locate missing persons following the capsizing of a migrant boat in the sea area 30 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco, within the Search and Rescue Region of Responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia FIR) and outside territorial waters.

The operation is ongoing under the coordination of the JRCC, with the participation of:

• 1 Warship
• 1 Helicopter
• 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle from the General Staff of the National Guard
• 4 Vessels from the Port and Maritime Police
• 1 Police Helicopter
• Paramedics from the Ambulance Service
• Cyprus Police personnel.”

Reports suggest that the boat, whose origin—either Syria or Lebanon—has not yet been confirmed, was carrying 20 people. For unknown reasons, it capsized despite the good weather conditions.

At the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas and Public Order Minister Marios Chartsiotis are overseeing and coordinating response efforts.