Filenews 19 March 2025
A joint communiqué was issued by the Ministry of Justice & Public Order, the Ministry of Defence and the Deputy Ministry of Migration & International Protection on the recent search and rescue operations for vessels from the sea. As they stress, these are three different incidents, which are not linked to each other, while at the same time they categorically deny what organizations and some publications accuse them of, about shooting or water, or pushback.
"Confusion has been created through publications, posts and announcements by various organizations. There have been, in fact, three different incidents in recent days:
- The first incident, which is the most recent, is that of Monday, March 17, 2025. The Port & Maritime Police (LNA), in the context of a patrol and following an operation coordinated by the Search & Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), rescued 2 (two) shipwrecked people and recovered 7 (seven) bodies. During the searches, no boat was found. It cannot be confirmed whether the location where the 2 castaways and 7 bodies were found is also the location of the wreck itself. The JCC issued a first statement yesterday, saying that as soon as it received information, it had launched an investigation. It is recalled that the castaways were located by the LNA and collected. It is noted that investigations continue while, so far, there is a discrepancy in the testimonies of shipwrecked people and their relatives about the incident.
- The second incident is that of Sunday, March 16, 2025. The NGO called "Alarm Phone" alerted the JCC about people in distress at sea. Contrary to what is reported, the JCC investigated the information, as in all cases. Searches were carried out by sea and air in an area of about 1000nm2, without any vessels or people being detected. Sunday's incident cannot, so far, be linked to Monday's incident, something the NGO said in later posts. The location, time and circumstances of Monday's shipwreck remain unknown to this day.
- The third incident took place on March 13-14 and involved 2 (two) boats. Some social media posts contain inaccurate information, as well as material of questionable quality and origin. This incident is one of many managed by the JCC and took place at a point in the RoC search and rescue area bordering Lebanon, outside the territorial waters of Cyprus, in international waters. At this point, 2 (two) vessels were spotted. Lebanon's assistance was requested, through the JRCC, where the rescue incident was managed. We categorically deny that there was any shooting or water being thrown or pushback, as reported in some reports."
The three ministries express their sorrow and shock at the unjust loss of life. They add that "it is a fundamental obligation of all of us, collectively, to take measures against the networks of human soul traffickers who, on the altar of profit, do not hesitate to put lives at risk, boarding people on unseaworthy boats, essentially committing an international crime. The criticism, unfortunately, is not directed against these organised crime networks."
Finally, as they stress, it is unacceptable to accuse the Republic of Cyprus of violating human rights. They remind that it is this state, currently accused, that has given international protection status to about 18,000 foreigners in the last ten years and receives international praise for the living conditions at the Pournara First Reception Center (KEPY) and the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Center for Applicants for International Protection (KYFADP). In conclusion, they underline that the Republic of Cyprus has never ignored a call for help or a message regarding a search and rescue incident and takes all appropriate actions within the framework of legality.
