Cyprus police intercept migrant boat en route to Italy

A group of migrants attempting to cross from Cyprus to Italy was intercepted by authorities in the early hours of Monday morning off the coast of Akrotiri, according to Cypriot police.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., Coast and Maritime Police spotted a boat about 7 nautical miles off Akrotiri Zevgari. The vessel was carrying 20 people, including 12 men, three women, and five children. Authorities reported that all passengers were safely transported to the port of Limassol.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat had departed from the sea area of Moni, a coastal town in southern Cyprus, with Italy as its intended destination.

Authorities are now conducting further investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the migrants' departure and the identities of those involved.

The attempted crossing highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in the region, who often embark on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea in search of better opportunities in Europe. Cyprus has increasingly become a transit point for migrants aiming to reach the European mainland.

Cypriot officials have called for enhanced cooperation with European partners to manage migration flows and ensure the safety of those attempting to cross dangerous sea routes.

No information has been provided yet on the nationalities of the migrants or whether any traffickers were involved. The incident remains under investigation by local authorities.