Mother dies in drowning tragedy at CTO beach in Larnaca

A 35-year-old Romanian national died on August 15, 2026, after drowning at the KOT beach in Larnaca, Cyprus. The woman had entered the sea with her two daughters, aged 12 and 14, amidst rough water conditions. Their family, including the father and a young son, was present on the shore when the incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. Bystanders noticed the trio struggling and managed to pull them from the water, but the mother could not be revived.

Both daughters were initially transported to Larnaca General Hospital before being transferred to Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia. As of the latest update, the 12-year-old girl remains intubated and stable in the intensive care unit, while her 14-year-old sister has been moved to the pediatric ward and is considered out of danger. The tragedy happened shortly after the lifeguard shift ended for the day, prompting renewed public and political discussions regarding the adequacy of lifeguard coverage on organized beaches during peak summer hours.

Oroklini police are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the drowning, collecting statements from eyewitnesses and bathers who assisted in the rescue efforts.