Royal Moroccan Navy Stops Migrants Trying To Hijack Ship & Divert It To Canary Islands

The Royal Moroccan Navy successfully stopped a group of migrants from hijacking a cargo ship off Morocco’s southern coast on November 4, 2024.

The incident occurred about 68 miles (110 kilometers) west of Tan-Tan, a coastal city in southern Morocco. The Liberian-flagged vessel was approached by migrants who attempted to divert it to the Canary Islands.

According to the Royal Armed Forces’ General Staff statement, the cargo ship sent an alert to Rabat’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on November 4 that it was in danger.

The unnamed ship was in the Atlantic Ocean when the distress signal was received. The migrants reportedly boarded the ship and demanded to be taken to the Canary Islands.

In response, the Moroccan Navy sent out two military units, including a commando team, to intercept the vessel.

The Navy was able to board the ship and regain control without causing any injuries or deaths. A total of 54 migrants were detained and brought to the Royal Gendarmerie for processing at Tan-Tan Port.

The incident reveals an increasing number of migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain and serve as a gateway to Europe.

More than 32,000 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands in 2024, representing a nearly 40% increase from the previous year.

The Royal Moroccan Navy’s quick response is seen as a critical aspect of Morocco’s ongoing efforts to prevent human trafficking and irregular migration.

Moroccan officials have tightened security measures along their Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, working with Spain and other countries to combat illegal migration.

Reference: MerchantNavyInfo

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