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Cyprus rescue mission for 300 stranded in boat off Paphos Cyprus rescue mission for 300 stranded in boat off Paphos
(about 5 hours later)
Cyprus has launched a rescue mission for 300 people, thought to be Syrian refugees, stranded off the island's west coast. Some 300 people, thought to be Syrian refugees, have been rescued by a cruise ship off Cyprus after their boat ran into trouble in rough seas.
Most of the people on the small fishing boat are believed to be women and children. They were taken aboard the ship, Salamis Filoxenia, Limassol port master Girgos Pouros said. All are said to be in good health.
They were spotted 55 nautical miles (100km) south of the resort town of Paphos. Helicopters are at the scene. Most of the people on the small fishing boat that sent a distress signal were women and children.
Cypriot authorities said they picked up a radio distress signal as the boat was caught in rough seas. They were spotted 55 nautical miles (100km) south of the town of Paphos.
Coastguard patrol boats and a cruise ship have gone to the scene, Cypriot media report. "It was quite a difficult operation," Kikis Vasiliou, director of Salamis Cruises that owns the cruise ship, was quoted as saying by the Cyprus Mail website.
"All the passengers are safe."
The vessel was expected to dock in Limassol later on Thursday.
Cypriot authorities earlier said they picked up a radio distress signal as the boat was caught in rough seas.
This year has seen a dramatic increase in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats - particularly people fleeing the conflict in Syria. The majority have headed for Italy and Malta.This year has seen a dramatic increase in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats - particularly people fleeing the conflict in Syria. The majority have headed for Italy and Malta.
Libya, racked by unrest and lawlessness, has become a major people-trafficking hub. However, Cyprus lies closer to Syria.Libya, racked by unrest and lawlessness, has become a major people-trafficking hub. However, Cyprus lies closer to Syria.