Cyprus says 26 people rescued from boat after distress call

A Cyprus policeman ropes down from a hovering helicopter to the sea surface during a joint Cyprus-US search and rescue exercise off the east Mediterranean island’s southern coast, Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. The exercise involved a simulated maritime accident requiring the rescue of injured persons. This is the second such joint Cyprus-US rescue exercise this year. Cyprus eastern-most tip is less than 100 miles from Syria’s coast and Cypriot authorities aim to turn the island into a search and rescue hub on Europe’s southeastern edge. AP

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Cyprus’ defense minister says crews have rescued 26 people believed to be asylum seekers after receiving a distress call from a boat that was spotted about seven miles (11 kilometers) off the southeastern tip of the east Mediterranean island.

Christoforos Fokaides said authorities believe all those who were aboard the boat late Tuesday have been picked up. A sweep of the area by the German destroyer Hyane didn’t locate anyone in the water.

Fokaides said rough weather conditions hampered the rescue operation mounted by helicopter and patrol boat crews.

He said one small child was taken to a hospital in serious condition, suffering from hypothermia and dehydration.

All 26 of those rescued, half of whom are children, are receiving medical care. Their boat is believed to have set sail from Tripoli, Lebanon, on Oct. 30.

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