APA-Rabat (Morocco) The Royal Navy’s coastguards operating in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic rescued 552 irregular migrants of different nationalities, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa.
They were saved between April 8 and 18, according to a military source quoted by the Moroccan News Agency (MAP).
The migrants attempted the dangerous crossing in makeshift boats, kayaks, jet-skis and even by swimming, the source added.
Those rescued received first aid on board royal navy combat units before being taken safely to the kingdom’s nearest ports and handed over to gendarmes for the usual administrative procedures, it added.
Many would-be illegal immigrants are rescued by the Moroccan navy.
The distance between Morocco and Spain is only 14 kilometres.
Those trying to reach Europe see it as a quick entry point.
HA/lb/as/APA