Cyprus and France will carry out a joint search and rescue (SAR) exercise on Thursday, South East of Cyprus, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
The exercise is titled “CYPFRA-04/15” and the scenario deals with a simulated “maritime accident”.
“The FGS ‘’LA FAYETTE’’ as well as naval and air SAR units of the Republic of Cyprus, will take part in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the French frigate” the Ministry said in a press release.
“The main objective of the aeronautical exercise is the planning and execution of a joint SAR exercise, in order to promote Personnel & Rescue Units capabilities and readiness, for effective response in SAR missions and other humanitarian operations, occurring also on account of the migration flow from the Middle East, within the Republic of Cyprus Search and Rescue Region (SRR)” the Ministry noted.
It added that the scenario deals with a simulated “maritime accident” in which the Cyprus National SAR Plan “NEARCHOS”, would be immediately implemented by the JRCC Larnaca to confront the situation. The exercise will focus on daylight SAR operations, “MEDEVAC” emergency drills and deck-landing of the SAR Helicopters of the Republic of Cyprus onboard the FGS “LA FAYETTE”.
This is the fourth exercise on SAR matters in 2015, between the JRCC Larnaca (which represents the SAR system of Cyprus) and the French navy.
CNA/KD/ΜΜ/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY