Migrant trafficking concerns rise as Cyprus rescues 41 individuals

Two boats carrying a total of 41 irregular migrants arrived Thursday afternoon in Cyprus. According to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the radar of the Cyprus Coast Guard spotted the two boats sailing 12 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco. The migrants reported that they had departed from Tripoli, Lebanon.

The first boat, carrying 23 irregular migrants - 19 men, 2 women, one child, and one unaccompanied minor - was intercepted shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday by the Coast Guard.

The migrants were transferred to the Ayia Napa Marina, where their details were recorded before they were taken to the Pournara Temporary Accommodation Center in Kokkinotrimithia.

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., the second boat, with 18 irregular migrants - 15 men and 3 unaccompanied minors - was located 12 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco.

The migrants from the second boat were also taken to the Ayia Napa Marina for registration before being transferred to the Pournara Temporary Accommodation Center in Kokkinotrimithia.

Police investigations revealed testimony against a 17-year-old youth who was identified as the captain of the first boat. He was arrested and is set to appear before the Famagusta District Court within the day for a detention order to be issued against him.

[With information sourced from CNA]