A complex mountain rescue operation concluded successfully on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the safe extraction of two 18-year-old males who had become stranded in a dangerous gorge near Lagoudera. The incident, which commenced with a distress call at 15:10, starkly illustrated the inherent risks associated with navigating challenging natural environments. It also underscored the essential coordination required between Cyprus's various emergency services.
The two young men, whose identities remain undisclosed, reportedly lost their sense of direction while hiking in the mountainous region. Their excursion took a perilous turn when they found themselves trapped within a steep ravine, an area from which escape was impossible without external intervention. The Fire Service, upon receiving their urgent plea for assistance, immediately mobilised resources, initiating a multi-agency response that would test their operational capabilities.
Nicosia’s Fire Stations were the first responders, dispatching specialised rescue teams and appropriate vehicles to the remote location. Throughout the unfolding crisis, the Fire Service Call Management Centre maintained constant communication with the stranded individuals, offering crucial updates and reassurance while assessing the severity of their predicament. Initial evaluations indicated the teenagers were situated in a particularly treacherous and inaccessible spot, demanding a significant vertical ascent for any potential rescue.
Given the extreme difficulty of the location, a request was promptly made to the Police for the deployment of their Air Wing, specifically an MAEP helicopter. The expectation was that aerial access would provide the most expedient route to the trapped youths. However, the rugged topography and dense vegetation of the gorge presented formidable obstacles, ultimately preventing the helicopter from reaching the precise location of the stranded hikers.
With aerial assistance proving unfeasible, the focus shifted decisively to a ground-based operation. The Fire Service’s EMAK (Disaster Response Special Unit), renowned for its expertise in high-risk rescue scenarios, was subsequently deployed. A specialised rescue team from EMAK proceeded along the same path the young men had initially taken, meticulously navigating the treacherous terrain. Their objective was to reach the individuals by a combination of careful pathfinding and, crucially, rappelling down the steep gradients of the ravine.
The rescue teams were equipped with essential provisions, including clothing intended to provide warmth and comfort to the distressed teenagers. The descent into the gorge was a painstaking process, demanding skill, precision, and unwavering determination from the EMAK personnel. After what was described as a significant and prolonged effort, the rescue team successfully reached the two young men.
Following their extrication from the ravine, the teenagers were safely brought back to solid ground. They were subsequently transported to Kyperounta Hospital for comprehensive medical assessment. Authorities have confirmed that both individuals were found to be in good health, a testament to the efficacy and professionalism of the entire rescue operation. Andreas Ketis, the Fire Service Press Spokesman, confirmed the successful conclusion of the operation, highlighting the collaborative efforts that were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and the vital role played by emergency services in safeguarding lives in remote and challenging environments.