Syrian refugees picked up off Cape Greco

A boat carrying seventeen people was spotted off Cape Greco on Monday, with reports suggesting they are all presumptive refugees from Syria.

According to police, coast guard officials spotted the vessel, about five metres long and made of fiber glass, in rough seas about 50 nautical miles off Cape Greco on Monday around 1pm.

Marine Police approached the vessel around 5pm and officers assisted the passengers aboard the patrol boat, bringing them safely to a small pier in Protaras. Migration officials and Civil Defence staff were also notified and the refugees were all transferred to Larnaca police headquarters. 

The group of travelers included twelve men, four children, and one woman, all of whom are believed to be Syrian refugees.

The cost for each traveler to get passage was 1000 euros and they all told authorities their destination was Cyprus, where they plan to seek asylum according to Cyprus News Agency (CNA). THe refugees were reportedly taken to the Reception Facility in Kokkinotrimithia.