The Israeli foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that it is collaborating with Greece and Cyprus in the search for the missing Israeli vessel.

There is concern in Israel regarding the fate of the four people on board the sailing yacht, which disappeared amid the havoc caused by Storm Byron.

The vessel set sail from Ashdod yesterday and was bound for Crete before its signal was lost in the Levantine Sea, although no distress signal was made by the boat before contact was terminated. 

An investigation has already been ordered into how the vessel was allowed to set sail despite warnings of an oncoming storm.

Three of the four missing are Arab Israelis from southern Galilee, while the fourth, the captain, is from Haifa.

The chairman of their local council, Hatem Sibley, expressed concern for the fate of all four aboard.

Speaking on Israeli website Walla, Sibley confirmed that he was “in contact with the Israeli foreign ministry”, which “has forwarded the details to Interpol”.

Earlier on Wednesday, Cyprus’ joint rescue coordination centre (JRCC) activated the national search and rescue plan Nearchos to locate the missing yacht.

Its last known position was 89 nautical miles southwest of Paphos.

The search is ongoing, with Cypriot maritime teams coordinating patrols and monitoring sea traffic near the vessel’s predicted route.

The search shall continue throughout the day using both ships and aircraft of the Republic’s disposal.

The incident coincides with Storm Byron, which has battered the island for the past two days.  

Meteorological services have issued warnings for coastal areas and advised vessels to avoid all sailing until the storm subsides.

Authorities are examining whether the yacht set sail despite the approaching severe weather.

Cyprus has experienced occasional maritime incidents during severe weather, prompting the authorities to review safety procedures and communications for vessels approaching the island.

The investigation remains ongoing, with maritime officials coordinating efforts to locate the missing yacht and ensure the safety of those on board.