South's Police Arrest 15 Migrants After Boat Chase off Famagusta; More Believed Missing

Authorities said that a Marine and Port Police spotted a suspicious target around 04:50 initially moving towards occupied areas before changing course toward government-controlled territory. A police vessel approached for identification purposes.

The inflatable boat carried approximately 20 people with two reportedly masked captains. Upon seeing police, the crew attempted to flee and ram the Marine Police vessel, prompting a chase and warning shots.

Boat runs aground, passengers swim to shore

The inflatable subsequently struck land and became immobilised, forcing passengers to swim to shore. Police have so far located 15 people.

Authorities are searching for more passengers.

Criticism

Cyprus has tightened maritime patrols in response to rising migrant arrivals, particularly from Syria via Lebanon and Turkey. The island’s location in the Eastern Mediterranean makes it a key transit point for people seeking to reach European Union territory.

The Republic of Cyprus has faced international criticism regarding its handling of migrant arrivals, with the UN refugee agency and human rights organisations accusing the island nation of systematic pushbacks at sea.

Cyprus denies these allegations, with Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis insisting the country does not engage in pushbacks and abides by international legal obligations.

Human rights organisations have documented cases where Cyprus authorities allegedly threatened migrants with weapons during interception operations, though Cyprus denies these claims and states migrants are provided with food and blankets before being returned. Recent deadly incidents include a March 2025 boat sinking that killed at least seven people.

Source: In-Cyprus