Morocco Ignores Distress Calls, Straining Relations with Spain over Canary Islands Rescues

Sources from the Spanish maritime rescue services have reported to Ok Diario that Morocco has ignored the distress calls of an Italian sailor suffering from a serious health problem in the waters near the port of Dakhla this week, forcing the Spanish authorities to deploy a military helicopter in the area to fly to the victim’s rescue.

According to the same sources, a rescue ship was available in the Moroccan port to carry out the operation but was not deployed. However, for reasons of efficiency, it is the nearest Spanish or Moroccan rescue ship to the distressed vessel that provides assistance. But for a few weeks now, Morocco has turned a deaf ear, claiming not to have the technical means on site, the same source said.

Pedro Sanchez made a tour last week in Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal, countries whose many nationals illegally immigrate to the Canary Islands, ignoring Morocco, which is nevertheless considered by the Frontex agency as one of the three countries from which migrants come to the Spanish coasts.

This year, more than 22,000 migrants have illegally entered Spain via the Canary Islands, an increase of 154% compared to last year. The Mediterranean remains the main migration route with 32,239 arrivals, despite a 64% drop compared to 2023.