52 African illegal immigrants rescued off Algerian coast

Algerian navy forces on Sunday rescued as many as 52 African illegal immigrants off western coast of Ghazaouet area, located in the province of Tlemcen, local media reported.

The state-run ENTV channel specified that the 52 illegal immigrants are originated from different African nationalities, as their handmade boat was broken amid stormy weather hitting the northern parts of Algeria, but rescued on the right time by navy troops who were patrolling the area.

The source added that 7 migrants were found in critical health conditions as they were rushed to hospital to get medical care.

The rescued migrants were apparently trying to sail to Spain, given that the western coast of Algeria is closer to the Iberian Peninsula, and several illegal migrants, either Algerian or foreigners

The source added that authorities will take care of these migrants and they would be sent back to their countries of origin.

Illegal immigration by sea in Algeria has become a real issue for authorities, regarding the increasing number of local and foreign people intercepted on board of makeshift boats attempting to cross the sea and reach the other side of the Mediterranean in a search for better life.

Hopeless youngsters ride small flat-bottomed boats not designed for crossings, which increases the death rates among them before reaching the destination.

Usually, when Algerian illegal immigrants are arrested, they are tried for illegal immigration charges, while foreigners are repatriated to their home states.