Egypt stops third illegal immigration attempt in less than 24 hours

Egypt has foiled a third attempt of illegal immigration in less than 24 hours, the military spokesman announced Monday.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Samir said in an official statement that the Egyptian navy inspected a fishing boat sailing off the coast of Alexandria, where it discovered 179 people of different nationalities – including Egypt, Sudan, Comoros, Eretria, Guinea, and Ghana – on board.

According to Samir, the boat was destined for southern Europe. He did not specify which country the board was expected to land.

Those aboard of the boat where transferred to Abu Qir port where they were provided medical care and then handed over to other investigating authorities to undergo legal procedures.

On Sunday, the naval forces intercepted a boat near Alexandria and found it was carrying 143 people of different nationalities – including Egyptians, Sudanese, Syrians, Palestinians and Ethiopians – heading to Europe.

The forces also managed to stop another boat carrying five people from Egypt in addition to four crew members near Alexandria.

In recent years, thousands of refugees and migrants have attempted to cross the Mediterranean in search of better jobs and opportunities. Hundreds have been arrested in Egypt for attempting to migrate illegally.

source: Ahram Online