A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise, titled “CYPUK-01/19” was conducted today, Friday the 8th of March 2019, within the Search and Rescue Region of the Republic of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR Units and Personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom.

The British Ship «HMS ECHO», a helicopter of Cyprus Police Aviation Unit and the fast patrol boat «THISEAS» of the Port and Marine Police participated in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the Royal Navy. Specialized registered nurses of the State Health Services participated in the exercise boarding the SAR units.

The scenario dealt with a simulated “Maritime Accident” which led to the implementation of the Cyprus National SAR Plan “NEARCHOS” by the JRCC Larnaca in order to confront the situation.

This was the first exercise on SAR matters between assets of the Republic of Cyprus and the British Royal Navy in 2019 and, based on the biannual cooperation program, the existing cooperation will continue and further improved.