Morocco intercepts 177 irregular migrants off coast

 

The coast guards of Morocco’s Royal Navy have intercepted 177 irregular migrants in the South Atlantic, the official Moroccan news agency MAP reported Thursday.

The migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, included 52 women and 20 children, the report cited a military source as saying.

They were facing difficulties on board makeshift inflatable boats when they were intercepted on Wednesday, the source said.

All the migrants, who were trying to reach the Spanish archipelago of Canary Islands, received the necessary first aid, the source added.

Morocco has long been a transit country for African migrants seeking to reach Europe.