Jun 14, 2018

Cypriot authorities have safely escorted a boat carrying 61 Syrian refugees to shore after spotting it off the coast of the Mediterranean island, they said Thursday.

The vessel was intercepted late Wednesday evening off the island's northwestern coast after embarking from Turkey, police said.

One woman and 60 males, including seven children, were transferred to a reception centre outside the capital Nicosia on Thursday after medical checks, authorities said.

Police cited arrivals saying they had paid smugglers $2,000 (1,700 euros) each to board the boat from Turkey's coast.

Police added that they had arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of smuggling after he was seen jumping from the boat.