Search and rescue off Cyprus underway after reports of boat capsizing

NICOSIA (Reuters) – A search and rescue mission was underway off Cyprus on Monday after a boat carrying migrants capsized, media reports said.

The Phileleftheros daily said 21 people were thought to have been on the boat, located some 20-25 nautical miles off Cape Greco on the southeastern tip of Cyprus. The vessel was believed to have set off from Tartous in Syria.

Cyprus’s Search and Rescue Coordination Centre told Reuters an operation was ongoing and declined further comment.

(Reporting By Michele Kambas; Editing by Angus MacSwan)