Moroccan navy rescues over 500 migrants on April 8-18

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - The Moroccan royal navy on Thursday said it has rescued over 500 migrants of different nationalities who were heading for Europe via Spain.

In a statement cited by the state news agency MAP, the Royal Navy said 552 migrants who were mostly from Sub-Saharan countries were rescued on April 8-18.

The statement noted that the migrants used dangerous methods to cross into Europe, including makeshift boats, kayaks, jet-skis, and swimming.

It added that the navy's coastguard units provided the migrants with needed first aid assistance and were then "handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie" for completing usual administrative procedures.

For years, North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania have witnessed attempts by migrants – mainly from sub-Saharan Africa – to reach Europe, hoping for a better life. While some migrants manage to reach their destination, others often die during the journey.