On April 25, 2026, the Moroccan navy rescued 360 Guinean migrants from a boat in distress off the coast of Dakhla, in the disputed Western Sahara region. The migrants, including women and children, were attempting to reach the Canary Islands, a common route for irregular migration from West Africa to Europe.
The rescue operation was confirmed by Moroccan authorities, who stated that the migrants were provided with medical assistance and basic necessities before being transferred to a reception center in Dakhla. No casualties were reported during the incident.
This rescue is part of a broader pattern of increased migration attempts from Guinea and other West African countries, driven by economic hardship and political instability. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 1,500 migrants have been rescued or intercepted off the Moroccan coast in 2026 so far.
The Moroccan navy regularly patrols these waters to assist boats in distress and prevent loss of life. The rescued migrants will be processed according to Moroccan immigration laws, with some potentially being repatriated to Guinea.
