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Rabat – Local authorities in Nador, in Morocco’s Oriental region, reported today the death of eight migrants who lost their lives while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.
The victims were part of a group of irregular migrants who took a rubber boat in an attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea from the Beni Chiker, a town in Nador province before the boat capsized due to adverse weather conditions, the local authorities detailed.
The tragic incident took place because of strong winds and high waves, authorities added.
The identities and nationalities of the migrants have not yet been revealed.
Morocco’s royal gendarmerie forces and royal navy as well as civil protection intervened to rescue nine people and they managed to recover the eight lifeless bodies.
Investigations are ongoing to locate possible missing people and also shed light on all the circumstances and details surrounding the case.
Morocco has been intensifying efforts to address irregular migration, which claims tens of thousands of lives annually.
According to recent government data, Morocco’s border control intercepted approximately 87,000 individuals attempting to cross to Europe last year.
In addition, Moroccan security services managed to provide essential aid and support to more than 22,000 irregular migrants who were often found stranded aboard makeshift watercraft in distressing situations in what is considered one of the world’s deadliest borders.
