Emergency rescue of boat with unconscious children and injured migrants (video)

Six children were treated in hospitals across Cyprus on Wednesday after they were rescued from a boat that was stranded at sea for days.

In total 60 migrants were rescued after they were spotted cramped in a wooden boat at 4:30am, some 30 nautical miles off Cyprus’ shores.

Authorities found three children and one man were unconscious, while another three individuals had fractures in their lower limbs.

Dehydrated

The scene at Karpas quickly became frantic as ambulances and two helicopters from the national guard and police rushed to the scene with medical staff trying to help the individuals who were suffering from dehydration and hypothermia.

It is understood the 60 migrants departed from Lebanon on January 18 meaning they were out at sea exposed to the elements for six days.

Health Minister Michael Damianos told reporters three children were in critical condition at Makarios hospital and doctors were by their side vigilantly.

In total six children and four adults were taken to hospitals.

Smuggler arrested

Taking a different tone, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the arrival of 60 Syrian migrants “some of whom were in bad shape and were transferred to hospital for care” proved the government’s point “over everything we’ve been repeatedly saying”.

“Human lives are at danger in inappropriate boats, usually victims of smugglers.”

Ioannou said it was for this exact reason that the government called on the EU to take action with a team from Europol, Lebanon’s authorities and Cyprus’ migration police, to monitor Lebanon’s borders.

He also sought to reiterate his mission for the EU to re-evaluate and designate Syria as a safe country.

“Migration is a complex problem, with a humanitarian aspect. Every human life is precious and we must protect it.”

Police said a 47-year-old man believed to be the smuggler was arrested.

Frantic scenes

The joint rescue and coordination centre (JRCC) was notified after a commercial ship spotted the boat in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The JRCC immediately implemented the Nearchos rescue plan and deployed a team to transfer the migrants to the Ayia Napa marina safely in a separate boat.

During the operation, authorities found the unconscious and injured children and adults.

Many were covered in foil hypothermia blankets and were rushed to the closest available hospitals with medical staff.

Two children were hospitalised at Famagusta general hospital and one in Larnaca general hospital. The latter was discharged and will be seen by a specialist doctor at Makario hospital for a chronic health issue.

Four adults were at the A&E in Larnaca’s general hospital. Two were later released and two were kept as they suffered a concussion.