A Moroccan Royal Navy frigate in the Atlantic Ocean intercepted on Saturday a canoe carrying 44 Sub-Saharan individuals, including two minors, attempting to reach the Canary Islands.
Located roughly 90 kilometers off the military port of Dakhla, the interception unfolded with the frigate spotting the small vessel and intervening to ensure the safety of those aboard. According to a statement released by the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the operation aimed to prevent what could have been a perilous journey across the perilous stretch of water.
Following the interception, the rescued individuals received vital medical attention before being transported to the port of Dakhla. Authorities there handed them over to the Royal Gendarmerie for standard administrative procedures.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of illegal migration across the Mediterranean, with Morocco playing a key role in border control efforts.
In the first half of 2023 alone, an alarming 132,370 unauthorized attempts were recorded, representing a 10% increase over the same period in 2022. Central Mediterranean crossings, particularly from Tunisia to Italy, have witnessed a particularly sharp rise, accounting for half of the overall numbers.
The Royal Navy's intervention underscores the complexities of managing migration flows and the human cost of perilous journeys. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by countries like Morocco to tackle irregular migration while navigating delicate political and humanitarian considerations.
