305 Syrian migrants reach Cyprus by boat



September 10 2017 3:16 PM


A man has been arrested for allegedly driving one of a pair of boats that took 305 Syrian refugees to the north-west coast of Cyprus.

Police spokesman Michalis Ioannou said Sunday that the 202 men, 30 women and 73 children who arrived at around midnight were thought to be the largest number of migrants to reach Cyprus in a single day.

Mr Ioannou said they left from Mersin, Turkey on Saturday.

He said the passengers reported paying £1,500 each for the trip.

Some with relatives in Cyprus have expressed the desire to remain there. Others said they want to go to Germany or to Scandinavian countries.

All will be taken to a reception centre except for a woman and her newborn baby, who were taken to hospital.

AP

Press Association


 305 Syrian migrants reach Cyprus by boat