Twenty refugees from Syria were rescued on Monday by the Cyprus authorities off the island`s coast.
The refugees, 10 men, 2 women and 8 children were aboard a vessel that was sailing south of Cape Greco, in the southeastern coast of Cyprus.
A press release issued by the Defence Ministry says that around 09:32 local time ( (6.32am GMT) , the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) received a distress call about a small vessel with a large number of people that was sailing south of Cape Greco.
The JRCC immediately initiated the “Nearchos” national rescue plan, sending a Police Border Marine vessel in the area. A helicopter from the Cyprus Police Aviation Unit and medical staff from the Health Ministry were also alerted.
Τhe rescue operation was concluded around noon and the refugees were transferred to Larnaka port. The Ministry of Interior took over , launching the “Nafkratis“ National Plan.
According to the Police the Syrians said that they bought a vessel and a GPS from Lebanon, paying 1,000 euro, and began their trip to Cyprus on October 5th, at night. The Police said that the Syrians are planning to seek asylum in Cyprus.