Cyprus: Syrian Refugees Leave Cruise Ship after Earlier Refusal

Hundreds of Syrian refugees, rescued at sea by a Cypriot cruise liner, have disembarked after hours of refusals and demands to be taken to Italy.

Cypriot police say the migrants were removed early Friday after officials entered the ship, in the port of Limassol, to talk to those onboard.

The refugees were taken to a reception center near the capital, Nicosia, where they will be given shelter and food.


The Cyprus cruise liner rescued the 345 migrants after their small vessel placed a distress call after hitting rough seas about 90 kilometers off the Cyprus coast on Thursday.

Thousands of migrants fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and northern Africa take risky journeys on board overloaded small boats to cross the Mediterranean Sea for a better life in Europe. Hundreds have died during the attempt.
[voanews.com]
26/9/14
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