Authorities are tracking a boat loaded with about 70 migrants off Cape Greco, it was reported on Thursday afternoon.

A coast guard vessel was dispatched to rendezvous with the boat, spotted about 20km off Cape Greco at around 5.30pm.

A Famagusta police spokesman said that at first sight around 60 to 70 people – men, women and children – are on board the boat.

The boat would remain there until further instructions are given on how to handle the situation, the spokesman said.