Cyprus-UK Joint SAREX conducted Monday

A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise, titled “CYPUK-01/18” was conducted on Monday, within the Search and Rescue Region and Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR Units and Personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, the British Ship «ECHO», a helicopter from 460 Search and Rescue Squadron and the fast patrol boat «TSOMAKIS» of the Navy Command of the National Guard participated in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the Royal Navy.

The scenario dealt with a simulated “Maritime Accident” in which the Cyprus National SAR Plan “NEARCHOS” was immediately implemented by the JRCC Larnaca in order to confront the situation.

This was the first exercise on SAR matters between assets of the Republic of Cyprus and the British Royal Navy, in 2018, and based on the biannual cooperation programme, the existing cooperation will continue and further improved.

The programme consists of upgraded cooperation on tactical level and the execution of joint exercises on SAR and military matters.