Eight migrants lost their lives after their vessel capsized off Morocco’s northern coast on Tuesday, local authorities reported on Wednesday. Nine others were fortunately rescued from the incident.
The migrants, whose nationalities were not immediately known, had departed from Morocco’s Nador region, aiming to “cross the Mediterranean aboard an inflatable boat,” according to a statement from the state news agency MAP citing authorities.
The boat succumbed to “poor weather conditions” on Tuesday, leading to the tragedy. While nine individuals were rescued, authorities stated that search efforts for any remaining missing persons are ongoing. An investigation into the incident has also been launched.
Morocco serves as a frequent launch point for migrants undertaking the perilous journey across the Mediterranean or Atlantic in search of a better life in Europe. In recent weeks, the Moroccan navy has reported intercepting or rescuing dozens of migrants during various operations on its southwestern coast. Moroccan army data reveals that roughly 87,000 irregular migrants were intercepted in 2023.
Spain witnessed a significant influx of irregular migrants last year, with a total of 56,852 entering the country, representing an 82.1% increase compared to 2022. This surge is mainly attributed to a record number of migrants landing in the Canary Islands, located around 100 kilometers from Morocco at its closest point.
