Child dies in Cape Greco migrant rescue operation

In a heartbreaking turn of events, one of the three children found unconscious during a large-scale rescue operation of 56 migrants off Cape Greco has passed away from cardiac arrest. The spokesperson for the Cyprus Fire Service, Charalambos Charalambous, confirmed the tragic incident on Wednesday, January 24.

The child's age remains unknown, but estimates suggest they were between three and five years old. The migrants, approximately 60 in total, were cramped in a small wooden boat until spotted and rescued by members of the Cyprus Search and Rescue Coordination Center (KSDEC). The vessel had reportedly departed from Lebanon on Thursday, January 18.

Among the passengers were three girls who were found in an unconscious state and promptly transported to Makarios Hospital. According to Charalambous, the other two girls in Makarios Hospital remain in serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit. He stated, "They are in a very serious condition and are closely monitored." Additionally, two other children are still at the Pediatric Hospital of Ammochostos, while two adults with fractures are being treated at Larnaca General Hospital.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a 47-year-old man from Syria, identified by fellow passengers as the boat's captain, was arrested just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Watch the rescue video here