The Royal Navy coastguard patrolling Morocco’s south waters (33 km south-west the city of Tarfaya) assisted 52 illegal immigrants who were onboard a boat on Thursday evening, including five women.
A statement by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) Staff said all the would-be immigrants hailed from sub-Saharan Africa, and were planning to set sail for the Canary Islands.
The illegals received first aid on the spot and were carried safe and sound to the Tarfaya port. The royal gendarmerie will take it from there and process them.
Hundreds of illegal immigrants heading to European destinations accessible from the Kingdom’s coasts are routinely intercepted by Morocco’s coastguard and army troops.