Severe weather in Cyprus: 76-year-old man killed after boats smash into rocks
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A Greek Cypriot man died and two others were injured off Cape Greco after three boats ran aground amid rough seas caused by the severe storm.
- 29 Αυγούστου 2026 22:46
The passage of the severe storm that hit Cyprus on Saturday (29/08) proved deadly, as a 76-year-old Greek Cypriot man lost his life off Cape Greco after the boat he was travelling on ran aground and was destroyed on the rocks amid rough seas. Two other people were injured and remain hospitalized.
According to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), at 2:30 p.m. the National Search and Rescue Plan “Nearchos” was activated after three boats were reported in distress in the waters off Agioi Anargyroi, in the bay between Konnos and Agioi Anargyroi. Two of the vessels were completely destroyed after crashing onto the rocks as the storm turned the sea into a deadly trap.
According to ERT, the 76-year-old man was on the second boat with his daughter and partner. The two women managed to jump into the sea and were rescued by helicopters operating in the area. They were later taken to Famagusta General Hospital.
The 76-year-old appears to have become trapped in the wreckage. He was found unconscious by a search and rescue helicopter and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A total of six people were rescued from the area. The sole passenger on the first, coastal sightseeing vessel, managed to jump onto the rocks and was rescued by a patrol from the Famagusta Police Division. He was reported to be in good health.
Two more people were rescued from the third boat. They received first aid at the scene and were subsequently released.
A major rescue operation was launched, involving a helicopter from the Police Air Operations Unit, a helicopter from the National Guard’s 460 Search and Rescue Squadron, a patrol from the Famagusta Police Division, personnel from the EMAK emergency response unit and the Famagusta Fire Station, as well as ambulances from the Ambulance Service.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances of the tragedy. The Fisheries Department will also inspect the area for any possible oil pollution caused by the destroyed vessels.
