Joint Statement by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the Ministry of Defence and the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection about the three Search and Rescue incidents

Regarding information published in the media in recent days, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the Ministry of Defence and the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection would like to clarify the following in order to establish the facts and their accurate depiction:

• Confusion has been created through publications, posts and announcements by various organisations. There have, in fact, been three different incidents in the last few days.
• The first incident, which is the most recent one, is that of Monday, 17 March 2025. The Port and Marine Police, during a naval patrol and following an operation coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), rescued two shipwrecked persons and recovered seven bodies. No boat was located during the search. It cannot be confirmed whether the location where the two shipwreck survivors and the seven bodies were found is the location of the wreck itself. The JRCC issued an initial statement on Tuesday, stating that as soon as it received information, an investigation was launched. It is recalled that the shipwreck victims were located by the Port and Marine Police and recovered. It is also noted that investigations are ongoing and that, so far, there is a discrepancy in the testimonies of the shipwreck survivors and their relatives about the incident.
• The second incident is that of Sunday, 16 March 2025. The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called “Alarm Phone” alerted the JRCC about people in distress at sea. Contrary to what was reported, the JRCC investigated the information, as it does in all cases. Search operations were conducted by naval and aerial means over an area of approximately 1000 nm², with no vessels or people detected. Sunday’s incident cannot, so far, be linked to Monday’s incident, which is what the same NGO mentioned in later posts. The place, time and circumstances of Monday’s shipwreck remain unknown to this day.
• The third incident took place on 13-14 March and involved two boats. Some social media posts contain inaccurate information, as well as material of dubious quality and origin. This incident is one of the several handled by the JRCC and took place at a location of the Republic of Cyprus’ search and rescue area bordering Lebanon’s search and rescue area, outside Cyprus’ territorial waters, in international waters. Two vessels were sighted at this location. Lebanon’s assistance was requested through the JRCC, where the rescue incident was dealt with. We categorically deny that there was any shooting or water throwing or pushback, as reported in some publications.

We express our deep sorrow and shock at the unjust loss of human lives. It is a fundamental obligation for all of us, collectively, to take action against the human smuggling rings who, in pursuit of profit, do not hesitate to put lives at risk by putting people on board unseaworthy vessels, effectively carrying out an international crime. Unfortunately, the criticism is not directed against these organised crime networks.

Finally, it is unacceptable to accuse the Republic of Cyprus of violating human rights. We recall that it is this state, which is currently being accused, that has granted international protection status to some 18.000 individuals over the last ten years and is receiving international praise for the living conditions in the Pournara First Reception Centre and the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Centre for Applicants for International Protection. It is stressed that the Republic of Cyprus has never ignored a call for assistance or a message concerning a search and rescue incident and is taking all appropriate actions within the framework of legality.

(AN/NZ/MS)

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