A search operation was mounted on Thursday night for a 42-year-old man reported missing while partying at a beach in Limassol, only for him to emerge from the sea some two hours later after apparently taking a rest on the wave breakers, the Cyprus News Agency reported.

Police were notified that a person had gone missing in the Karnayo area where he was partying and consuming alcohol along with a group of people.

A search and rescue operation was organised with the participation of eight patrol cars, 16 policemen, a maritime police boat and a police helicopter, as part of the Nearchos plan of the joint rescue coordination centre.

Thirty minutes past midnight, Limassol police who were on site along with relatives of the missing person saw the 42-year-old emerging from the sea.

He had been out for a swim and had stopped at the wave breakers to rest because he felt tired.

He was taken to Limassol general hospital by an ambulance that was already on site as a precaution and after a medical examination was discharged.