Police Officer Dies in Sea Rescue

A 29-year-old coastguard officer was killed last night during the course of a search and rescue operation for a 30-year-old missing Russian woman off the coast off Paphos, said authorities.

Andreas Georgiou from Limassol drowned when the coast guard vessel he was in capsized in rough seas near Paphos at around 3.30am. His colleague 30-year-old Kyriakos Theophanous was also thrown overboard but managed to cling onto a lifesaver ring until he was rescued and doctors say he is in good health.

The search and rescue operation is continuing for the 30-year-old woman, who has been missing since a yachting accident last night. Her family - husband and two young children - are safe on shore and being treated for hypothermia in Paphos General Hospital.

The coast guard officer will be buried with full police honours and was described as an outstanding member of the police force.