A large-scale emergency drill was held on Thursday morning at Limassol port, simulating a warship coming under attack while arriving in Cyprus.

The exercise tested the country’s ability to handle a hostile strike, safely unload ammunition and evacuate the injured under combat-like conditions. The scenario, part of the tactical exercise with troops “Nikitis-Demetra 2025,” played out with precision in the early hours.

At 4am, a military reinforcement ship from a third country was “hit” by enemy fire 12 nautical miles off Limassol. The ship suffered a minor hull breach, while a crew member was “injured.” A second warship, escorting the vessel, returned fire and forced the enemy to retreat.

On shore, Cyprus port authority and emergency services swung into action. Under the national emergency plan “Sounio,” port facilities were secured, ammunition was safely unloaded and the casualty was rushed to Limassol general hospital by ambulance.

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis watched the operation from the DP World Limassol passenger terminal. Both officials praised the exercise as a vital test of readiness in an unpredictable region.

“We must be prepared for any scenario,” said Palmas.

“We are a semi-occupied country and a key player in the region, especially with ongoing developments in Gaza, Lebanon and other neighbouring areas.”

He added that Cyprus has a duty to train at the civil-military level and show it can meet the expectations of both the international community and the EU. Hadjimanolis echoed his remarks, stressing that emergency planning is of strategic importance.

“Everything you saw today can happen in real life. It’s not science fiction. We must be ready, especially as a country still under occupation for 51 years.”

The exercise was coordinated by the Cyprus ports authority in cooperation with the defence ministry’s central emergency planning service (Kypsea). Members of the national guard, police, fire service, ambulance services, DP World Limassol and P&O Maritime all took part.

Chairman of the ports authority board Zenonas Apostolou said the drill proved the resilience and operational strength of Cyprus’ ports.

“In times of crisis or threat, safeguarding the functionality of our ports is critical to national security. They are our main supply line.”

He added that the high level of coordination and professionalism displayed showed that Cyprus is well prepared for emergencies, even under combat conditions.