The Cypriot coastguard picked up 45 migrants from two boats east of the EU island republic on Thursday evening. The people came from Syria, the state broadcaster (RIK) reported on Friday with reference to the coast guard. According to their own statements, the migrants are Syrians and had left the Syrian port city of Tartus. Among them were eleven children.
According to the Coast Guard, authorities had already rescued 37 people in distress southeast of the island on Wednesday. Two of the rescued were arrested as suspected smugglers, the state broadcaster reported.
Ride costs 3000 and 5000 euros per person
Trafficking gangs are increasingly trying to bring migrants from countries in the eastern Mediterranean – such as Lebanon or Syria – but also from Turkey or Libya to southern Italy. The route is dangerous. It runs south of Cyprus along the Greek island of Crete. On the long journeys there is always damage to the engine or the boats leak. Last Wednesday, hundreds of migrants trying to cross from Libya to Italy drowned when an overcrowded fishing trawler sank some 50 nautical miles off the Greek coast. According to migrants, the smugglers charge between 3,000 and 5,000 euros per person per trip.
In recent years, Cyprus has by far the highest number of asylum applications per year in terms of population size, according to EU statistics. The government in Nicosia therefore repeatedly asked for help from the EU.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
