Morocco Man Uses Rubber Ring, Flippers To Reach Spain, Rescued
A Moroccan man planning to enter Spain by swimming across the Gibraltar Strait was rescued by a Spanish family on July 16. The daring swimmer was found afloat using a rubber ring and flippers. A video shared online by the Spanish Royal Assembly of Yacht Captains (RAECY) gives a glimpse of the rescue operation.
As per Diario Sur, the family was on a vacation and were sailing to the Balearic Islands when they spotted something suspicious around 13 nautical miles south of the Andalusian town of Benalmádena on the Costa del Sol while trying to bypass an oil tanker. Initially, they believed it to be some kind of bird trying to float on the waves. However, as they took a closer look using binoculars, they spotted a young man.
The crew then turned the boat towards the man and also called the maritime rescue services, Salvamento Marítimo, for their help. The professionals not only saved the man but also provided him with first aid and care. In the video shared by RAECY, the man could be seen grabbing a rope thrown at him by the rescuers.
As per the news report, the young man had his diving suit on, and was also wearing a life jacket and flippers. The Salvamento Marítimo helped in further navigation and the man was later transferred to the port of Malaga, where he was handed over to police and the Red Cross.
According to a migration correspondent, such crossings are not rare. 'Dozens of migrants try to reach Spain like this, using the only basic means they can afford," wrote María Martín.
A report published last year in The New Arab explained that there has been a surge among people trying to flee Morocco and enter Spain, especially during summer months. The most popular way is to swim across the Strait of Gibraltar, which spans over six kilometres between the two countries. However, not all migrants end up successfully at their destination.
While there could be many reasons for this decision to migrate, experts believe that it is somewhere linked to the failing policies of the Moroccan government. As per the report, the Spanish authorities sent back at least 150 to 200 individuals back to Morocco within August 2024, raising an alarm on the growing numbers.
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
3 killed as gunmen fire at protesters in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
Peshawar, Jul 27 (PTI) Unknown gunmen fired at a gathering protesting against counter-terrorism operations in Pakistan's northwestern province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, leaving three dead and many injured, a top official said. A day earlier, a mortar strike claimed the life of a girl in the Zakha Khel area of the Khyber District, sparking the Sunday demonstration, during which locals placed the girl's body in front of the Momand Ghuz security checkpoint. Suhail Afridi, the special assistant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, said three people died and eight were injured in the firing by terrorists on the demonstrators in the Tirah Valley. Following the incident, the grieving families and residents of the area staged a protest by blocking the Tank-South Waziristan Road, and demanded immediate identification and action against those responsible for the killings. Afridi said, 'Following the girl's death on Saturday, locals staged a protest in front of the Frontier Corps compound today. They had gathered near he gates when shots were fired." 'I spoke to district officials who told me that terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij fired at the protesters," he said, using the term designating members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province expressed deep sorrow and regret over the Tirah incident. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced compensation of Rs 10 million for the kin of each deceased and Rs 2.5 million for each injured individual. PTI AYZ NSD NSD view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 02:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Farooq Abdullah condemns killing of Gujjar man in Jammu
Srinagar, Jul 27 (PTI) National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday expressed anguish over the recent killing of a Gujjar man in cross-firing with police in Jammu city. Calling the killing of Parvez Ahmad 'deeply unfortunate and regrettable," Abdullah echoed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's call for accountability and justice, emphasising that the use of force by law enforcement agencies must be responsible and proportionate. Parvez Ahmad (21), a Gujjar hailing from the Nikki Tawi area of Jammu, was killed in a crossfire when police were allegedly chasing drug peddlers in the Satwari area on Thursday. His killing has sparked protests by the community, with his family accusing the police of murdering an 'innocent" man in a 'staged" encounter. 'This tragic loss of life cannot be brushed aside. It is imperative that a swift and impartial inquiry be initiated so that the truth comes to light and those responsible are held accountable," Abdullah said. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Muhammad Parvez in this hour of immense grief. Justice must prevail," he said. Abdullah also cautioned that such incidents have previously caused irreparable damage to public trust and societal harmony, and urged authorities to prevent their recurrence. PTI SSB HIG HIG (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 23:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Man, two daughters killed as truck hits motorcycle
Pune, July 27 (PTI) A 37-year-old man and his two minor daughters were killed after their motorcycle was knocked down by a truck in Baramati city in Pune district on Sunday, police said. The deceased, Omkar Acharya, was returning home in the morning after picking up one of his daughters from a school when the incident occurred in Khandoba Nagar area. 'Acharya picked up his daughter Saee (10) from her school. He, Saee, and his other daughter Madhura (4) were returning home on the motorcycle when a dumper truck hit the bike from behind while attempting to overtake," said a police officer. The trio fell off the bike and sustained serious injuries. They were rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival, he said. The truck driver has been arrested under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act. PTI SPK NSK Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
