VIDEO / Cyclone in Cyprus claims one life: man pulled from the sea, three ships sunk

A man was found dead in the sea off the southern coast of Cyprus after a violent storm caused three boats to crash into rocks and sink, according to local media reports. Emergency crews recovered six individuals, including the deceased, from the area near Cape Greco on Saturday, 29 August 2026. The incident occurred amid heavy rain and strong winds that hit the Mediterranean island, leading to flooded streets, landslides, and fallen trees. The storm struck Cyprus in the early afternoon, prompting emergency services to respond to multiple calls related to damage from the weather. Firefighters reported that most interventions took place around the capital, Nicosia. A video shared on social media showed a rare waterspout forming off the coast of Larnaca, close to the airport tarmac. The footage highlighted the unusual weather pattern for late August, with a visible funnel rotating above the water. Two boats sank in turbulent conditions near Agioi Anargyroi, leaving two completely wrecked against the rocks. Emergency responders activated at 14:30 local time worked quickly to recover survivors. One man was pulled from the water by a rescue helicopter and later pronounced dead, while two others were taken to a hospital for treatment. The remaining three individuals were still being accounted for as of the latest updates. The storm’s impact extended beyond maritime incidents. Heavy rainfall led to flooding in several areas, particularly in lower-lying regions. Local authorities reported that roads became impassable due to standing water, and some buildings suffered structural damage. In one instance, a tree fell onto a vehicle, causing minor injuries to its occupants. Power cuts affected parts of the city, forcing residents to rely on alternative lighting sources. Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage and coordinating efforts to clear debris and restore normalcy. Officials warned that similar weather patterns could become more frequent in the coming months, urging residents to remain vigilant during periods of high wind and precipitation. Meanwhile, the bodies of the two wrecked boats are currently being examined to determine the cause of their capsizing. Rescue teams continue to search for the missing individuals, using both land-based and aerial methods. Helicopters have been deployed to scan the coastline, while divers are assisting in underwater searches near the rocky shores. The National Disaster Response Centre has issued advisories advising boaters to avoid venturing into open waters during such conditions. Local hospitals have increased staffing levels to accommodate potential casualties from the storm. As the situation stabilizes, officials are preparing for possible long-term consequences of the extreme weather. Environmental agencies are monitoring coastal erosion and sediment buildup along the shorelines, which could affect future infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, community leaders are calling for greater investment in flood prevention systems, citing this event as a warning of climate-related risks. The ongoing recovery efforts will likely take weeks, with continued support from both government and non-governmental organizations.