Sixteen Israeli nationals and two Cypriot crew members were rescued earlier today after their vessel, en route from Cyprus to Israel, suffered engine failure and became stranded in the eastern Mediterranean.
According to Israeli authorities, the boat was immobilized approximately 25 nautical miles west of the Lebanese port of Sidon. The rescue was coordinated by Israel’s Rescue Coordination Center in collaboration with the Israeli Navy.
The passengers had been attempting to return home amid ongoing regional tensions and the closure of Israeli airspace. With limited flight options, many Israelis stranded abroad have turned to maritime routes to reach the country.