A MAJOR rescue operation continued today off the southern coast of Cyprus after a migrant boat believed to be carrying at least 20 Syrians sank in international waters.

No additional survivors or bodies have been found since the initial operation on Monday, officials said, with seven bodies recovered and two people rescued 28 miles south of Cyprus.

The island republic’s Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre confirmed an ongoing operation involving military helicopters, rescue vessels and drones, assisted by a helicopter from a British base on Cyprus.