Cyprus says it has launched search for missing yacht that set sail from Israel

Cypriot authorities say they have launched a national search-and-rescue operation after a yacht that departed Israel over a week ago went missing in stormy waters off the Mediterranean island.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) says it triggered the search yesterday to locate the vessel, which set sail on December 2 bound for the Greek island of Crete.

The yacht’s last known position was recorded on December 8 inside the Cyprus Search and Rescue Region (SRR), about 89 nautical miles (165 kilometers) from the southwestern coastal town of Paphos, the JRCC says in a statement.

“Vessels in the area have been tasked to assist in locating the missing sailboat,” it says, adding that government air assets will join the operation today.

Cyprus maintains one of the largest SRRs in the eastern Mediterranean and frequently coordinates operations involving neighboring states.

Authorities say more resources may be deployed depending on weather conditions and updated intelligence.

The disappearance coincides with the arrival of storm Byron, which has brought heavy rain and high winds across Cyprus, Israel and the region.

Byron has caused significant disruptions across the eastern Mediterranean, complicating visibility and search operations.

The JRCC says the search will remain active “as long as necessary.”