Authorities on Thursday intercepted and detained a boat carrying 49 irregular migrants off the coast of Paphos.

A marine police boat intercepted the wooden boat around 8am, at a distance of approximately six nautical miles off Paphos.

On board were 24 men, nine women and 16 minors – Syrian and Lebanese nationals, media reports said.

Their boat reportedly had left Tripoli in Lebanon on Monday, headed to Italy.

The migrants were brought ashore and were being interviewed by Cypriot police.