**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – A swift and complex mountain rescue operation was successfully concluded on Sunday afternoon, culminating in the safe extraction of two 18-year-old males who had become stranded in a perilous gorge near the Lagoudera community. The incident, which began with a distress call at 15:10, highlighted the inherent dangers of navigating challenging terrain and underscored the critical coordination required between Cyprus's emergency services.
The two young men, whose identities have not been released, reportedly lost their bearings while undertaking a hike in the mountainous region. Their excursion took a dangerous turn when they found themselves trapped in a steep ravine, an area from which egress proved impossible without external assistance. The Fire Service, upon receiving the urgent plea for help, immediately mobilised resources, initiating a multi-agency response that would test the limits of their operational capabilities.
Nicosia’s Fire Stations were the first to respond, dispatching specialised rescue teams and appropriate vehicles to the scene. Throughout the unfolding crisis, the Fire Service Call Management Centre maintained continuous communication with the stranded individuals, providing crucial updates and reassurance while assessing the gravity of their predicament. Initial evaluations indicated that the teenagers were situated in a particularly treacherous and inaccessible spot, necessitating a significant vertical ascent for any potential rescue.
In light of 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 hope was that aerial access would provide the most expedient route to the trapped youths. However, the rugged topography and dense vegetation of the gorge proved formidable obstacles, ultimately preventing the helicopter from reaching the precise location of the stranded hikers.
With aerial assistance proving unfeasible, the focus shifted to a ground-based operation. The Fire Service’s EMAK (Disaster Response Special Unit), renowned for its expertise in high-risk rescue scenarios, was 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 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 medical assessment. Authorities have confirmed that both individuals were found to be in good health, a testament to the efficacy and professionalism of the 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.