Rescue operation for merchant ship in Limassol Bay

On the morning of November 12, 2026, a search and rescue operation was launched in the Limassol Bay after a fire broke out in the engine room of the Somali-flagged merchant vessel 'AFADJA'. The vessel, which carried a 12-member crew, issued a distress signal at 11:40 local time while located eight nautical miles southeast of Cape Gata within the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus.

In response to the emergency, the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) activated the national 'Nearchos' plan. The mission involved a police aviation helicopter, two naval vessels—the 'Ioannidis' and 'Ammochostos'—a Port and Marine Police speedboat, and the fire brigade's EMAK unit. The fire was successfully extinguished with the assistance of the 'EDT Aether' firefighting tugboat. All 12 crew members are reported to be safe and in good health.

Following the successful containment of the fire, the 'AFADJA' was towed to a safe area. There were no reported casualties, and the incident concludes with the vessel secured under the oversight of the Cypriot authorities.