The body of a British tourist who died while on holiday in Cyprus vanished from a mortuary without explanation. His remains later resurfaced bearing a different person's identity, prompting police involvement after funeral directors arrived to collect the 60-year-old man's body and found it missing.
Body Found Under Wrong Name
The man's remains were located on Wednesday, with photographs showing they had been tagged with another person's details. The British holidaymaker suffered a collapse while disembarking at the airport moments after touching down in Cyprus on September 9.
He was rushed to Paphos General Hospital on the island but was later declared deceased.
Transfer to Nicosia Mortuary
Faulty refrigeration equipment led to the closure of the Paphos mortuary, prompting his body to be transferred to Nicosia General Hospital, approximately 90 miles away. A post-mortem examination was conducted to determine his cause of death ahead of arrangements to return his remains to relatives in Britain.
Personnel were unable to trace his body when funeral directors attended the Nicosia mortuary on Monday for repatriation. No documentation existed indicating the body had been relocated, raising concerns over whether it was moved without adhering to correct protocols. Police were notified and an inquiry was launched.
Police Investigation Underway
An urgent search ensued and ultimately the missing body was discovered, registered under an incorrect name. It remains uncertain whether the body had been removed from the mortuary before being returned and incorrectly identified, or if it had remained there throughout.
This marks yet another episode of disruption at morgues throughout Cyprus. Facilities in Paphos, Limassol and other districts have been rendered inoperative, resulting in bodies being transferred to Nicosia. The remaining morgues have experienced mounting strain alongside complicated logistical and transportation challenges due to the rising number of deceased individuals.
Police are currently examining the incident to determine whether correct procedures were adhered to. The man's cause of death remains under investigation, though officers have excluded any criminal involvement.
