Man arrested for assisting illegal entry

Authorities arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of aiding third country nationals enter Cyprus illegally.

Police on Sunday morning spotted a boat carrying 17 migrants, including four children, off the coast of Cape Greco.

The boat was immediately brought ashore and further investigations revealed it came from Syria. They were then taken to Pournara reception centre.

The driver of the boat is expected to appear before court to be remanded later on Monday, police said.

The incident followed a similar one that took place the day before. Authorities also rescued 13 migrants, including three minors, from a boat off the coast of Cape Greco on Saturday.

The boat’s 24-year-old driver was arrested and remanded for eight days. The migrants were taken to Pournara reception centre.