Police on Tuesday remanded an 18-year-old man for eight days after he was arrested following the arrival of a boat with illegal passengers off the coast of Famagusta.

According to police, the vessel was spotted at around 1.50 on Monday, sailing approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Cape Greco. The boat was stopped by the coast guard and was found to have 10 males on board, two of whom were minors.

The boat and its passengers were safely brought ashore.

Investigations concluded that the boat had sailed from Syria early on Saturday and according to testimonies obtained, the captain was the 18-year-old, who was arrested and detained to facilitate investigations.

Upon completion of the police examinations, the nine passengers were transferred to the Pournara reception centre.