A tragedy unfolded on Thursday evening in the sea area of Oroklini, where two young women lost their lives, apparently due to drowning.
According to initial information, the two women were in the water with at least three other friends at Lebay beach when the incident occurred.
The two 20‑year‑old women of Somali origin, along with another person, entered the sea but were swept away by strong currents near the breakwaters. They began calling for help, prompting those nearby to attempt a rescue. However, only one of the three was successfully saved.
Members of the Port and Marine Police rushed to the scene, along with a helicopter from the 460th Search and Rescue Squadron, a lifeguard vessel and ambulances from the State Health Services Organisation.
The two women were recovered unconscious from the sea and transported to Larnaca General Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed.
Activation of the “NEARCHOS” plan
According to an official announcement, the national Search and Rescue Plan “NEARCHOS” was activated at 19:30 to respond to the incident.
The operation involved two speedboats from the Port and Marine Police, a helicopter from the 460th Squadron, a lifeguard vessel from Larnaca Airport, a boat from the Larnaca Lifeguard Club, and two ambulances.
Rescue crews, in coordination with lifeguards, retrieved the two women from the water without consciousness before they were transferred to hospital, where their deaths were confirmed.
