Dakhla: Royal Navy intercepts a boat with 201 irregular migration candidates

08:16

An operation conducted off the coast of Dakhla successfully rescued 201 individuals attempting to reach the Canary Islands. Among them were women and minors. The intercepted individuals were brought ashore and handed over to the relevant authorities.

Another attempt at irregular migration to the Canary Islands was thwarted off the coast of Dakhla. On Saturday, units of the Royal Navy intercepted a boat carrying 201 people approximately 185 kilometers southwest of the city.

According to information provided by the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the passengers had set sail with the aim of reaching the Spanish Canary archipelago.

201 people rescued at sea

The intervention of the Moroccan units ensured the safety of the passengers. Among those rescued were women and minors, necessitating appropriate care after their interception.

The boat was escorted to the fishing village of Roc-Chico, located about 190 kilometers southwest of Dakhla. The individuals on board were brought ashore safe and sound.

This operation takes place amid significant migratory pressure on maritime routes connecting the coasts of West Africa to the Canary Islands.

Care before administrative procedures

Upon their arrival, the rescued individuals received necessary care on board. They were then handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie services.

The authorities must now proceed with the administrative formalities required in such situations, in accordance with current procedures.

The presence of women and minors among the intercepted individuals also illustrates the diversity of profiles taking these maritime routes, which are particularly exposed to the risks of shipwreck and difficult navigation conditions.

Dakhla, a strategic monitoring point

Located in southern Morocco, Dakhla is situated on a maritime axis that is closely monitored due to the departures of boats seeking to reach the Canary Islands.

Saturday's intervention highlights the role played by Moroccan units in surveillance and rescue operations at sea. Beyond intercepting boats, these operations also aim to prevent migration candidates from being exposed to potentially dangerous crossings.