22-07-2025
Morocco Man Uses Rubber Ring, Flippers To Reach Spain, Rescued
The young man had his diving suit on, and was also wearing a life jacket and flippers.
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.
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