Cyprus’ Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) has activated the “Nearhos” National Plan as efforts continue to locate an Israeli yacht reported missing at sea.
Search operations are being carried out by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca following information received on Tuesday regarding a vessel that departed from Ashkelon Marina in Israel and has since been reported missing. The yacht set sail on 2 December, carrying four people, with Crete as its final destination.
According to information obtained by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the JRCC was informed at 15:00 on Tuesday by the Hellenic Search and Rescue Coordination Centre that the vessel had not reached Crete. Its last known position was reported to be 90 nautical miles south of Paphos.
In response, the JRCC activated the National Search and Rescue Plan “Nearhos” and proceeded with specific actions to investigate the incident. These included broadcasting voice alerts, issuing a NAVTEX notice, and diverting passing vessels to sail through the area where the yacht last transmitted its position.
Search operations continued throughout the night and remain ongoing. Due to adverse weather conditions, helicopters are currently unable to participate in the operation, authorities told CNA. Aerial searches will resume once weather conditions improve.
The JRCC is also in contact with Israeli authorities (RCC Haifa), as there is a possibility that, due to weather conditions, the yacht may have attempted to return towards Israel.
According to available information, the 41-year-old captain of the vessel is highly experienced as a skipper.