Rescue operation saves ten crew members from sinking ship off Paphos

On the evening of October 30, 2026, Cypriot authorities successfully rescued ten crew members from the Tanzanian-flagged merchant ship 'AS Dream' after it began sinking 90 nautical miles west of Paphos. The distress alert was received by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca at 8:15 p.m., triggering the activation of the national emergency plan 'Nearchos'.

The coordinated operation involved a helicopter from the National Guard’s 460 Search and Rescue Squadron, the patrol vessel 'Ammochostos', the police launch 'Pentadaktylos', and the merchant ship 'MSC Hannah III', which was in the vicinity. Initially, all ten crew members were brought aboard the 'MSC Hannah III' before being transferred to the 'Pentadaktylos' for transport to the port of Limassol. Upon arrival, medical personnel from the ambulance service confirmed the crew were in good health. Following health evaluations, the individuals were handed over to the relevant state authorities for further processing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic outreach to the concerned embassies regarding the incident.