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A summer day at the beach ended in tragedy Thursday evening when two young women were pulled unconscious from the sea off Oroklini and later pronounced dead.
The women, both 20 years old and originally from Somalia, were legally residing and working in Cyprus, according to initial information.
Authorities said the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. near the Oroklini coastline in Larnaca district. The women were believed to have entered the water with at least three other people when they encountered difficulties near the breakwaters.
Early reports suggest strong currents may have swept members of the group away from shore. Witnesses said cries for help prompted an immediate response from people nearby, who rushed into action to assist those in distress.
While some of those in the water were rescued, the two women were recovered unconscious from the sea.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) activated the national search and rescue plan, known as "NEARCHOS," triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Two speedboats from the Port and Maritime Police, a helicopter from the 460th Search and Rescue Squadron, a vessel from the Larnaca Airport lifeguard team, a boat from the Larnaca Lifeguard Club, and two ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
The women were located and brought ashore by crews from the Port and Maritime Police working alongside lifeguards. They were transported by ambulance to Larnaca General Hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead.
Police officers from Oroklini station remained at the scene Thursday night, taking statements from witnesses and investigating exactly how the tragedy unfolded.
Authorities are also working to formally verify the identities of the two victims.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can exist even along popular beaches, particularly near breakwaters where currents can be unpredictable and stronger than they appear from shore.
Investigations are continuing, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities complete their inquiries.
Recap
The tragedy occurred Thursday evening off Oroklini Beach when a group of people encountered difficulties in the water near the breakwaters. A major search and rescue operation was launched, but despite the efforts of rescue crews and lifeguards, two 20-year-old women were later pronounced dead at Larnaca General Hospital. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
