Rescue operation for 10 crew members of a sinking cargo ship off Paphos

On the night of October 30, 2026, authorities of the Republic of Cyprus conducted a successful rescue operation for 10 crew members of the Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship AS Dream. The vessel began sinking 90 nautical miles west of Paphos within the Cypriot Search and Rescue area of responsibility. Upon receiving distress signals at 8:15 p.m., the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca activated the national emergency plan, known as Nearchos.

The operation involved the deployment of a 460 Search and Rescue Squadron helicopter, the naval patrol boat Ammochostos, the Port and Marine Police vessel Pentadaktylos, and the merchant ship MSC Hannah III, which was passing through the area. All 10 crew members were initially transferred to the MSC Hannah III before being moved to the Pentadaktylos and transported to the Port of Limassol. Upon arrival at the port, the crew members were examined by Ambulance Service nurses, who confirmed that all individuals were in good health. Following these medical evaluations, the survivors were handed over to the appropriate state authorities for further processing.