Two men, aged 18 and 34, were arrested as police investigate a case of assisting third country nationals illegally enter the country after 15 migrants arrived by boat near Cape Greco.

The police announced that the incident occurred at 9:45am on Thursday after authorities identified the five-metre-long boat – found to be carrying nine men, two women and four children.

Local authorities ensured safe passage for the group to Ayia Napa marina, from where they were later taken to the Pournara reception centre.

Police obtained testimonies against the 18-year-old as being the captain of the boat, while the 34-year-old was also detained; with both now in custody.