9 Egyptians arrested in Morocco due to illegal migration attempt

CAIRO – 17 January 2021: Moroccan authorities arrested Sunday four smugglers and 20 individuals – including nine Egyptians – who were trying to migrate illegally to Europe on a fishing boat.

Moroccans, Yemenis, and other nationalities are among the culprits. Their money and mobile phones got confiscated, and only six life jackets were found on the boat.

In a different context, the Tunisian Ministry of Defense announced apprehending an Egyptian fishing boat on January 1 for entering national waters without a permit.

The boat - having 15 fishermen - was detected 136 kilometers away from eastern Kerkenneh Islands falling under the administration of Sfax governorate.

The boat was escorted by the Tunisian coast guard forces to Sfax Main Naval Base in order to take legal measures against the violators.  

That boat was the fourth Egyptian fishing boat apprehended by Tunisian authorities since December 16.

The first one had 17 sailors who were released after the intervention of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.