Royal Moroccan Navy Thwarts Attempt By Migrants To Hijack Cargo Ship

The Royal Moroccan Navy reports that it thwarted an attempt by migrants to take control of a cargo ship and divert it to the Canary Islands. The incident, which took place off the southern coast of Morocco, is the latest in a growing number of Africans trying to reach the Spanish islands.

The cargo ship, registered only in Liberia, raised an alarm on Monday, November 4, which was received by the Rabat Maritime Rescue Coordination Center. The ship reported that it was in the Atlantic Ocean about 68 miles west of Tantan, southern Morocco.

According to reports from the Royal Armed Forces General Command, the ship was threatened by a group of migrants. It is unclear whether they were rescued and taken on board, but the navy reports that they had requested a diversion to the Canary Islands. They added that the migrants planned to change the course of the ship.

Two Royal Navy units were dispatched, with a commando on board. They boarded the unknown ship and rescued the crew without incident. Reports say 54 migrants were arrested and handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for treatment in the port of Tantan.

This is the latest incident in the growing influx of migrants from Africa to the Canary Islands. Spanish authorities reported in October that more than 32,000 migrants had arrived in the Canary Islands in 2024, about 40% more than in the same period in 2023. Charities told Reuters that up to 150,000 people were leaving the country in preparation for the trip. Many of them are believed to be trying to use the Canary Islands as a route into Europe.

The influx of migrants to the Canary Islands is reportedly the fastest-growing route. However, the number remains far lower than those trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach southern Europe. The distance between Tanzania and the Canary Islands is only 120 nautical miles, and authorities said favorable sea conditions in the Atlantic Ocean have prompted an increase in attempts to reach the islands this fall.

Morocco reported that the country has stepped up efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal immigration and to protect its coastline, which stretches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans. The navy said it was working with other countries, including Spain, to prevent illegal and unsafe migration.