Cyprus and the United Kingdom conducted a joint search and rescue (SAR) exercise on Friday within the Search and Rescue Region of the Republic of Cyprus, the Ministry of Defence announced.
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.
Specialised registered nurses of the State Health Services also 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.
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.
