Cyprus and France successfully completed a Joint Search and Rescue Exercise (SAR) titled “CYPFRA-05/15”.

According to a press release issued on Monday by the Defense Ministry, the exercise was concluded near the coast of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR Units and Personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and France.

The Frigate «COURBET», naval and air units of the Republic of Cyprus, took part in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise, under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the French Navy.

The scenario dealt with a simulated “Maritime accident, with a capsized migrant boat” in which the Cyprus National SAR Plan “NEARCHOS” was immediately implemented by the JRCC Larnaca in order to confront the situation.

Specifically, during the exercise, a search and rescue operation was conducted by helicopters of the Air Force Command /460 SAR Squadron and the Police Aviation Unit, vessels of the Navy Command of the National Guard, and the French Frigate, rescuing persons in distress.

Also, deck landing procedures were conducted on board the Frigate «COURBET» by the helicopters for the medical evacuation of the rescued persons.

Within the framework of confronting the increased number of maritime accidents, as a result of the migration flows from the Middle East to Europe, the JRCC will continue to conduct similar exercises, with a view to minimising the loss of life at sea, as much as possible.

This was the fifth joint SAR exercise, in 2015, between the JRCC Larnaca (which represents the SAR system of the Republic of Cyprus) and the French Navy.