Refugee Boat Capsizes Off Cyprus: Multiple Fatalities Reported

A refugee boat capsized approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco, Cyprus, prompting a large search and rescue operation. At least seven bodies have been recovered. An unspecified number of people are missing, while two survivors were rescued. Authorities believe about 20 Syrians were on board, having departed from Tartous, Syria. Cyprus, located less than 200km from the Syrian and Lebanese coasts, has been a common route for refugees seeking entry into Europe. Frontex reported an increase in irregular crossings into the EU via the eastern Mediterranean last year.