Morocco rescues 344 illegal immigrants off coasts

The Moroccan navy rescued 344 illegal immigrants from July 10 to 14 off the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, reported Xinhua, quoting the Moroccan news agency MAP on Thursday.

The illegal immigrants, mostly sub-Saharan, including women and children, experienced difficulties in makeshift boats en route to the Spanish coast, MAP said.

Many of the illegal immigrants were in deteriorating health conditions and given the necessary first aid, it added.

They were transferred to the nearest Moroccan ports and handed over to the competent security authorities.

Morocco has become a transit country for African migrants seeking to reach Europe.