Body of Missing Moroccan Migrant Found in Algerian Waters After Attempted Sea Crossing

Ilyas disappeared at sea while trying to reach Ceuta in early November from El Jadida, Morocco, with his friend Ismail. His mother, Soumaya Farhi, reported his disappearance to El Faro de Ceuta on November 11 and issued an SOS for him to be found.

The lifeless body of the young man has just been fished out of the Algerian waters. His family was able to identify the body, which was deposited in the morgue of a hospital in the region. That of his unfortunate companion has not yet been found. Ilyas’ mother is asking to repatriate her son’s body to bury him with dignity in his hometown of El Jadida.

Like Ilyas, several young Moroccans have disappeared or lost their lives at sea, trying to reach Ceuta in order to build a better future in Spain. The families of the victims call on the Spanish and Moroccan authorities to strengthen their police and migration cooperation to fight this growing phenomenon.