Drones Join Search for Missing Polish Tourist in Cyprus

The search for a 35-year-old Polish tourist who went missing on Tuesday resumed on Friday morning in Cyprus. Despite three days of search and rescue operations yielding no results, the search efforts continue.

Although a significant amount of time has passed since the man’s disappearance, and the chances of finding him are quickly diminishing, the search will still cover the area from Akamas to Pomos today. Search teams have ramped up their efforts since morning, with aircraft once again taking to the skies to provide air support for teams who have been searching both on land and at sea throughout the night—without success. The search is now being bolstered with government drones.

To recap, on Tuesday morning, 35-year-old Polish national Piotr Mentel rented a boat from a water sports shop and set out alone from the port in Lachi. However, around 4:30 PM, the boat was spotted unmanned, about 200 meters from the shore near the village of Argaka. Since then, Mentel has been reported missing.

Search vessels from the port and maritime police, a National Guard helicopter, and local police were all immediately deployed, but so far, their efforts have been unsuccessful. Authorities are thoroughly investigating all possible leads, including the likelihood of an accident, as the boat’s propeller shows signs of damage that suggest it may have struck a rock or another object.