Boat with 11 migrants from Morocco intercepted in front of Armona bar

Migrants came from El Jadida, like another group that landed in Monte Gordo, in December

The Moroccan boat already in the port of Olhão – Photo: Hugo Rodrigues | Sul Informação

A small vessel carrying 11 migrants who departed from El Jadida, Morocco, was intercepted by the Maritime Police in front of Barra do Lavajo, between the islands of Armona and Culatra, at around 4:30 am today.

The 11 young people, who "have no identification, but who seem to be Moroccans" and who claim to be aged between 21 and 30, "claim that they left El Jadida, the former Portuguese Mazagão, and that they were four or five days at sea », told the Sul Informação the commander of the Southern Maritime Zone Captain Rocha Pacheco.

The entire trip was made, according to the migrants, "in a small boat with an open mouth, with a 15 horsepower engine"

“The alert was given at 4:20 am by workers from the Armona Aquaculture Production Area, who reported a suspicious vessel. Elements of the Maritime Police of Olhão went to the scene and intercepted the vessel, bringing its occupants to the Captaincy of the Port of Olhão”, said commander Rocha Pacheco.

Once on land, the young people received assistance, and three of them were sent to hospital, because "their state of health inspired care".

Meanwhile, the National Maritime Authority has already alerted the Border and Foreigners Service (SEF), "taking into account that, apparently, we are facing a case of illegitimate immigration."

At this time, "the migrants must be handed over to the SEF", who will be taken to Faro, to the General Directorate of this entity, responsible for border control.

This attempt to land on the Algarve coast is the second in a few weeks, but only the third known. On December 11th, a group of eight Moroccans was intercepted, already on land, after having landed at Praia de Monte Gordo.

These migrants asked our country for a "protection statute" and were welcomed at the Portuguese Refugee Center, in Lisbon.

Before, there was only one recorded attempt to disembark in Ilha da Culatra, which took place about 12 years ago.

 

Photos: Hugo Rodrigues | Sul Informação

 

 

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