FrontX, the Border Protection Agency, says it crossed the Mediterranean rose last year and crossed an irregular intersection in the EU.
At least seven bodies have been recovered from Cyprus after authorities conducted extensive search and rescue operations after capsizing the boat carrying refugees, according to the Cyprus state broadcaster.
The unspecified number is believed to have disappeared while two people were rescued from the international waters of about 30 nautical miles (55.5 km) southeast of the island, the station said.
Cyprus’ Search and Rescue Coordination Centre said boats and aircraft were deployed as part of the rescue operation without mentioning the victims.
In an official statement, the search and rescue operation was ongoing to find the missing person after an immigrant boat 50km (55km) southeast of Greco, 30 nautical miles (55km) southeast of Greco, referring to the southeastern point of the Mediterranean island.
The center added that several naval helicopters and police patrol boats were involved in searching for survivors.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, one survivor told authorities that they were around 20 Syrians departing from the port of Tartas, a recent bloody scene in Syria.
Cyprus’ eastern Mediterranean island is less than 200 km (125 miles) from the coasts of Syria and Lebanon, and is a long way to go with routes for refugees seeking better lives in Europe.
125 refugees died in the Eastern Mediterranean last year, but the actual figures are likely higher, according to UN figures.
Frontex, the European Union Border Protection Agency, last year said roses in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, which is an irregular border crossing to the EU, despite a wider decline in the bloc.
Nicosia has the most new asylum seekers applications per capita in the EU, but it said it could significantly reduce the numbers.
Last month, the Home Office said that asylum applications fell 69% between 2022 and 2024, but irregular maritime arrivals have been suspended due to strict government policies.
The overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December prompted Syrian refugees to return home. The Republic of Cyprus has since reported that an average of 40 Syrians have requested to return home per day.
The government also said that more asylum seekers have left Cyprus than they arrive for the first time in their independent history.
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