Remand after migrant boat intercepted off Cape Greco (updated)

Eighteen migrants travelling in a boat off Cape Greco were intercepted by the coast guard, with a man thought to have facilitated their journey remanded in police custody on Tuesday.

According to police statement, the six-metre wooden boat was intercepted shortly after 6pm on Monday 12 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco with eight men, six women and six minors on board.

The irregular migrants were escorted to the Ayia Napa marina and from there to the Pournara reception centre in Kokkinotrimithia.

Police arrested a 21-year-old man who was determined to have sailed the boat after testimony emerged against him.

He was remanded by Famagusta district court on Tuesday for eight days while police investigate a case of aiding third country nationals to illegally enter the country, and profiting by transporting them by sea in an unsafe vessel.

Famagusta CID is continuing investigations.