Crown Iris Evacuates 2,000 Israelis from Cyprus to Ashdod in “Operation Safe Return”

Incident Overview
A large-scale humanitarian evacuation mission took place on June 21, 2025, as the Crown Iris, operated by Mano Maritime, transported approximately 2,000 Israeli nationals from Limassol, Cyprus, to Ashdod Port, Israel. The mission was conducted under “Operation Safe Return”, a strategic maritime repatriation initiative led by the Israeli Ministry of Transportation in response to regional instability impacting air and land travel.

This marked the first major sea-based evacuation coordinated by Israeli authorities, reflecting the growing use of commercial maritime assets in national emergency response operations.

“In Israel, we now recognize that our ports are not just commercial entryways — they are gateways home in times of crisis.” — Ministry of Transportation official

Location and Time

• Repatriation Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
• Departure Port: Limassol, Cyprus
• Arrival Port: Ashdod Port, Israel

Operation Summary

• The Crown Iris completed a maritime evacuation of approximately 2,000 Israeli citizens stranded due to unstable regional security conditions.
• This voyage marked the opening phase of “Operation Safe Return”, developed as an alternative to compromised air and land routes.
• Upon arrival in Ashdod, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Ministry DG Moshe Ben Zaken, and Ashdod Port Chairman Shaul Schneider personally welcomed returnees.
• Over 50 buses and minibuses were organized to transport evacuees to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beersheba, and train stations across the country.

Government & Port Response

• Ashdod Port operated under heightened alert yet maintained full logistical capacity.
• Port CEO Nissan Levi commended his team’s resilience in managing high-volume operations amid sirens and regional unrest.
• The Ministry of Transportation coordinated logistical, health, and transport procedures, ensuring a smooth disembarkation process.

Passenger Experience

• Returnees reported a structured, calm, and well-communicated voyage with consistent coordination between Mano Maritime and government agencies.
• Many expressed relief, with some describing the sea route as their “only lifeline home.”

Wider Implications

• This event underscores a strategic shift in Israeli emergency planning — maritime evacuation is now a viable tool for mass civilian repatriation.
• Industry analysts suggest commercial cruise lines may need to develop internal crisis protocols for state-backed mobility operations in the future.

Key Takeaways

• The Crown Iris successfully repatriated ~2,000 citizens as part of Operation Safe Return from Limassol to Ashdod.
• Land and air transit limitations due to security threats prompted this first major sea-based return initiative.
• Ground transportation was arranged free of charge by the government, assisting evacuees in reaching their final destinations.
• Additional voyages are planned, subject to operational and security feasibility.
• This mission demonstrates the dual civil-humanitarian role of Israel’s port and cruise infrastructure.