Newsroom
Authorities have called off the search for migrants who were aboard a boat that overturned in international waters southeast of Cape Greco.
In a statement, the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) confirmed that the operation was suspended at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 21. The search had been underway since March 16, following reports of a missing vessel carrying migrants off the coast of Cyprus.
Over six days, rescuers managed to save two individuals and recover seven bodies from the sea within the first 48 hours. No further missing persons have been located.
The large-scale operation involved various resources, including helicopters, naval ships, drones, and patrol boats from the National Guard, police, and maritime authorities. Medical teams, British Bases helicopters, and passing commercial vessels also assisted in the effort, which lasted 134 hours and covered 2,750 square nautical miles (5,093 square kilometers).
While the active search has been suspended, the JRCC stated that it remains on standby and will resume operations if new information emerges.
