A rescue operation was underway on Thursday morning after a vessel carrying 300 people, thought to be refugees from Syria, sent out a distress signal, authorities said.
Reports said a cruise ship was on its way to the area, around 50 nautical miles off the coast of Paphos.
The defence ministry said the signal was received at 6.25am.
Patrol boats and helicopters were scrambled and all relevant departments have been put on stand by to receive the passengers and provide medical treatment.
A defence ministry spokesperson said that a lot of women and children where on board the vessel.
