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Four people in Ayia Napa were pulled to safety on Sunday following a coastline rescue mission in windy conditions, with officials reminding the public to keep away from cliffs at Cape Greco’s sea caves.
Emergency rescuers rushed to Cape Greco Sunday afternoon following reports that four people were in trouble at Sea Caves, an Ayia Napa rocky landmark along the coastline famous for taking selfies and jumping into the water from high up.
Authorities said the dispatcher was notified around 3:45pm concerning four people who were possibly injured and in danger at the Sea Caves location in Cape Greco.
Details were not fully known but according to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Larnaca, one male and three females, all described as 30-year-old Ukrainian nationals, had found themselves in trouble. It was understood that they appeared to have either fallen into the water or otherwise found themselves trapped in windy conditions.
JRCC said a police helicopter took part in the rescue mission, lifting the distressed individuals to safety and an awaiting ambulance. Hospitalization was not necessary after medics reportedly determined there were only minor external injuries.
But officials on Sunday took the opportunity to remind the public that walking up to the edge of a cliff at Sea Caves or diving into the water from high up is not only “strictly prohibited” but also dangerous, citing an ongoing erosive process.
The natural caves in the area, a natural habitat for marine life including endangered monk seals and sea turtles, were formed by the erosion of rocks from waves crashing onto the cliffs over time. Both wind and water are known to affect the process in different ways depending on weather conditions.
