Search operation underway for 60-year-old man missing in Cedar Valley

A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the mountainous area of Konizi near the Cedar Valley in the Paphos forest to locate 60-year-old Turkish Cypriot man Akkan Coskun. The individual disappeared on Thursday, November 12, after setting out to gather mushrooms with two companions. While his companions were located shortly after the group became separated, Coskun remains missing, prompting authorities to launch an extensive search effort.

The search operation, which began around 14:30 on Thursday, involves the police, the Department of Forests, the Civil Defence, the Game and Fauna Service, and various volunteer groups, including ETEA. The mission is being hampered by dense vegetation and rugged terrain, particularly in an area known as the "Black Cliffs." Rescue teams have deployed drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras, helicopters, and sniffer dogs to assist in the recovery.

Authorities have issued a public appeal for any information regarding the missing man, who is described as being 1.84 meters tall, stocky, with short white hair and a thick white beard. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, a purple, black and white checked shirt, light-coloured jeans, and ankle boots. Emergency teams continued their work throughout the night and intensified efforts on Friday morning as the search remains ongoing.