Two French nationals missing at sea near Tangier after Catamaran incident

Monday 25 May 2026 - 14:00

Two French nationals have been reported missing after their catamaran encountered difficulties off the coast of Tangier in northern Morocco, according to Moroccan maritime rescue authorities and relatives of the passengers.

The alert was reportedly received during the early hours of Sunday after the catamaran, identified as “Stella,” experienced technical problems while navigating in waters near Tangier. Rescue teams later located the vessel along with an empty life raft approximately five kilometers from the coastline.

Authorities confirmed that the catamaran was still afloat when it was discovered and was subsequently towed to the port of Asilah, located south of Tangier. Search operations are now focused on locating a smaller auxiliary boat equipped with an outboard motor that the passengers are believed to have used after leaving the main vessel.

At this stage, the exact cause of the maritime incident remains unclear. Rescue teams continue to conduct search operations in the area while monitoring weather and sea conditions.

According to statements provided by the father of one of the missing passengers, distress messages had been sent shortly before contact was lost. The first message reportedly warned of water entering the vessel, while a second message indicated that the crew intended to abandon the catamaran and move to the smaller emergency boat.

The incident has renewed attention on maritime safety along the northern Moroccan coastline, a region frequently crossed by recreational and commercial vessels navigating between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Sea accidents in the region have occasionally resulted in serious tragedies. In 2012, another French catamaran sank near Saïdia after severe weather conditions, causing several fatalities and disappearances.

Moroccan maritime authorities continue coordinating rescue efforts as families await further information regarding the fate of the two missing passengers.