Syrian refugees arrive in Kato Pyrgos overnight

Another boatload of Syrian refugees came ashore in Kato Pyrgos, carrying 60 men and one woman who said she was coming to reunite with her husband on the island.

Authorities said there were seven minors among the refugees and migrants, whose boat was discovered floating off Kato Pyrgos shores Wednesday night.

The refugees went through a preliminary inspection at the Polis Chrysochous police station, including a medical exam, and later transported to Kokkinotrimithia reception camp in Nicosia district by Thursday morning.

Police said the captain of the vessel dived in the water moments before it came ashore but was later apprehended by authorities, who issued a warrant arrest against the 49-year-old male.

It was not immediately clear whether or how many individuals would be seeking asylum in Cyprus.

Local officials, who say Syrian migrants pay human traffickers up to €2000 per person for the trip, expect that more undocumented refugees could be on their way from Syria through Turkey within the next few days.