Moroccan navy rescues 141 migrants off Atlantic coast

The Moroccan Navy rescued 141 migrants from a flimsy boat off the Atlantic coast in an operation that lasted 15 hours due to unfavourable weather conditions. The migrants, including three women and two minors, were from sub-Saharan African countries and had departed from the Mauritanian coast on February 10, intending to reach the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa.

The migrants’ boat was stranded about 274 km off the port of Dakhla, prompting them to send a distress signal that was intercepted by Moroccan authorities. After their rescue, they were handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for the usual administrative procedures.

According to the official statistics, the Moroccan Army arrested about 87,000 undocumented migrants in 2023, most of whom were from sub-Saharan Africa.

The Moroccan Navy’s rescue of 141 migrants from a flimsy boat off the Atlantic coast has once again highlighted the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the treacherous waters in search of a better life. The migrants, including women and minors, had embarked on their journey from the Mauritanian coast with the intention of reaching the Canary Islands. However, their plans were thwarted when their boat became stranded about 274 km off the port of Dakhla.

The operation to rescue the migrants lasted 15 hours, with the Moroccan Navy braving unfavourable weather conditions to bring the individuals to safety. Following their rescue, the migrants were handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for the usual administrative procedures.

This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by undocumented migrants from sub-Saharan African countries, who often risk their lives in hopes of finding better opportunities in Europe. The Moroccan Army’s statistics indicate the scale of the issue, with approximately 87,000 undocumented migrants being arrested in 2023 alone.

As the global community continues to grapple with issues related to migration and asylum, this rescue operation serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the headlines, and the ongoing struggle for safety and security faced by migrants around the world.