Collision at Sea: Morocco Probes Incident Between Spanish Patrol and Migrant Vessel

Off the coast of Melilla, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, an incident involving a Spanish Civil Guard patrol boat and a vessel carrying migrants has prompted an investigation by Moroccan authorities. The collision, which occurred on Sunday, has raised questions about border patrol practices and migrant safety in the region.

According to sources close to the investigation, the Spanish patrol boat collided with and ran over a small motorboat carrying four migrants attempting to enter Melilla. The incident was captured on video, which has since circulated on social media platforms, appearing to show the Civil Guard vessel pursuing and then overrunning the smaller boat, causing its occupants to fall into the water.

The smaller vessel, reportedly registered in Spain with a Valencia registration number, was piloted by two Spanish nationals. It had departed from Melilla and entered Moroccan waters near the northern city of Nador before the collision took place.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Moroccan Maritime Gendarmerie swiftly responded, rescuing the four migrants who had fallen overboard. The rescued individuals were transported to the port in Nador, with one person briefly admitted to a local hospital before being discharged the same day.

Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the event. The Spanish Civil Guard and the Government Delegation in Melilla stated on Monday that no injuries resulted from the incident, which they say occurred near Horcas Coloradas beach. They maintain that the patrol boat aborted the migrants' entry attempt and immediately attended to them after they fell into the water.

However, the video evidence circulating online appears to contradict this account, showing a more aggressive interaction between the vessels. This discrepancy has fueled public interest and concern over the handling of migrant interceptions at sea.

Moroccan authorities have noted that the majority of attempts to enter Ceuta and Melilla by sea involve boats originating from these Spanish enclaves. These vessels typically pick up migrants in Morocco with the intention of returning them to Spanish territory.

The incident has reignited discussions about the complex issues surrounding migration in the region. Attempts by migrants to enter Ceuta and Melilla, whether by land or sea, remain a frequent occurrence and a source of tension between Spain and Morocco.

As the Moroccan Public Prosecutor's office continues its investigation, the international community watches closely. The probe aims to shed further light on the case and determine the legal implications of the incident, potentially impacting future border control policies and practices in the area.

This event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both nations in managing migration flows while ensuring the safety and rights of individuals attempting dangerous sea crossings. As the investigation unfolds, it may prompt a reassessment of current strategies and cooperation between Spanish and Moroccan authorities in addressing this sensitive and complex issue.