The rescue of a windsurfer in difficulties off Cyprus has given the Armed Forces and local specialists a chance to demonstrate the teamwork which is a part of Service life on the island.

Stelios Isaias got into difficulties off Ladies Mile near Limassol when strong westerly winds prevented him from returning to shore.

First to be involved in the rescue were the Sovereign Base Area Police, mainly manned by Cypriot officers, who were alerted to the stricken windsurfer by a witness on the shore.

The police passed the message on to the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, a group which is manned round the clock and based at HQ British Forces Cyprus, where duty controller Flt Lt Mike Dennison decided that a sea operation would be most appropriate.

The major units called upon were the Royal Navy’s Cyprus Squadron and the Dhekelia-based 62 Cyprus Support Squadron, Royal Engineers, which were both in the area for a joint exercise which was to take place later that same day.

Two Army men in a rigid raider went to the aid of the windsurfer as one of the Navy’s Archer-class patrol boats stood by, while the RAF Akrotiri-based Arabs Beach Club also provided a boat in support of the rescue.

Stelios Isaias was found sitting on his board, drifting more than two kilometres out to sea, and although he was calm he was very pleased to see his rescuers.

The 62 Squadron Sergeant-Major, WO2 Ginge Crook, said: “It all went really well and the windsurfer seemed more than happy. We come down quite a lot and work with 417 Maritime Troop, but this is the first time that we have worked so closely with the Royal Navy.”

Flt Lt Dennison said: “This was a perfect example of ‘jointery’ at work. Despite only visiting Akrotiri and not holding a standby commitment, 62 Cyprus Support Squadron responded and put to sea within 17 minutes of the first call. This was an exceptional response from all concerned.”

The Navy has two 49-ton Archer-class boats in Cypriot waters. HMS Dasher and HMS Pursuer were transported by sea to the island in February to take up a front-line role against illegal activities, such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Dasher and Pursuer are based at Akrotiri but cover both the Western and Eastern Sovereign Base Areas.