UNHCR saddened at deaths in Cyprus shipwreck

This tragic incident is the first shipwreck in Cyprus. It underlines the crucial importance of saving lives at sea, and of the need for renewed efforts to combat smuggling and trafficking, and for strengthening safe alternatives to perilous sea journeys.

© UNHCR/Caroline Irby

15 May 2018

UNHCR is deeply saddened at the news of eight deaths from a shipwreck off Karpasia, in the northern part of Cyprus. Based on the information received so far, eight bodies, believed to be Syrian refugees who embarked on a boat from Mersin, Turkey, last Thursday, were washed up on the shores over the past two days. No survivors have been found so far and at least four more persons are still missing.

UNHCR is in contact with Syrian refugees in Cyprus who approached the office fearing that among those perished there may be relatives and friends. UNHCR is providing them with information and support.

This tragic incident is the first shipwreck in Cyprus and underlines the crucial importance of saving lives at sea. Renewed efforts are also needed to combat smuggling and trafficking and to strengthen safe alternatives to the perilous sea journeys including through family reunification.

Some 1,900 people have arrived in Cyprus on 40 separate boat arrivals since 2015. The number of people seeking asylum in Cyprus has continued to show marked increases over the years, mostly due to the ongoing conflict in Syria: 1,887 in 2014; 2,108 in 2015; 2,871 in 2016 and 4,499 in 2017. A total of 1,372 persons applied for asylum in the first three months of 2018.