Cyprus’ port police successfully intercepted two migrant boats near Cape Greco, towing the first with 97 individuals on board to safety, and assisting the second boat, carrying 101 migrants, to the Ayia Napa marina. All migrants underwent registration and received necessary care.
How did Cyprus’ port police respond to migrant vessels near Cape Greco?
Cyprus’ port police successfully intercepted two migrant boats near Cape Greco, towing the first with 97 individuals on board to safety, and assisting the second boat, carrying 101 migrants, to the Ayia Napa marina. All migrants underwent registration and received necessary care.
In a recent maritime operation, Cyprus’ port police have successfully intercepted two migrant boats off the coast of Cape Greco. This event unfolded on a busy weekend for the authorities, as they were already engaged in earlier rescue efforts.
The First Encounter
The initial vessel was located at approximately 3:20 pm on Saturday. The boat, struggling nine nautical miles off Cape Greco’s shores, was brought to safety with the aid of the port police, who dispatched a ship to tow it to the shore. Onboard were 97 individuals, who upon their arrival, underwent registration processes before being relocated to the migrant reception center known as Pournara in Kokkinotrimithia.
A Second Sighting
A second boat, with origins from Tripoli, Libya, carried 101 migrants and caught the attention of authorities due to its engine trouble. It was identified by radar in the early hours, at 1:40 am, and found incapacitated 17 nautical miles from Cape Greco. In response, three port police vessels were sent to provide assistance. The migrants were safely escorted to the Ayia Napa marina, where similar registration procedures took place.
Earlier in the same day, the port police were engaged with another group of 54 migrants located seven nautical miles from Cape Greco. This series of incidents underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both migrants and the authorities in managing the complex issue of migration via the Mediterranean.
Rescue Operations at Sea
Cyprus’ strategic position in the eastern Mediterranean makes it an accessible location for migrants seeking a new beginning in European countries. The Republic of Cyprus is committed to rescuing individuals in distress at sea, abiding by international maritime laws that dictate the saving of lives irrespective of individuals’ origin, religion, or reasons for migration.
The operations conducted by the Cyprus port police are complex and require a swift and humane response to prevent any loss of life. The migrants, once brought to shore, receive immediate attention, including medical assessment, and are provided with the necessary care as per international humanitarian standards.
The series of events that transpired near the Cape Greco area is a reminder of the persistent migration patterns and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration, such as conflict, persecution, and poverty. The rescue efforts by Cyprus’ port police exemplify the ongoing dedication to humanitarian assistance and the safe passage of individuals seeking refuge.
Cyprus continues to work alongside other nations and international organizations to develop sustainable and humane responses to the challenges of migration, aiming to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
Quick Recap
- Cyprus’ port police intercepted two migrant boats near Cape Greco, towing one to safety and assisting the other to the Ayia Napa marina.
- The first boat had 97 individuals on board and the second boat had 101 migrants.
- All migrants underwent registration and received necessary care.
- This event took place during a busy weekend for the authorities, as they were already engaged in earlier rescue efforts.
- Cyprus’ strategic position in the eastern Mediterranean makes it an accessible location for migrants seeking a new beginning in European countries.
