News

Egypt’s Navy Prevents 288 From ‘Illegally Immigrating’

Egypt’s Navy Prevents 288 From ‘Illegally Immigrating’

Navy officers appear to be handing out water bottles to the refugees [Credit: Military Spokesman]
Navy officers appear to be handing out water bottles to the refugees. Credit: Military Spokesman

The Egyptian navy has prevented the illegal immigration by sea of 228 people from “different nationalities” on Sunday, the military spokesman said.

The passengers were due to start their journey off the coast of Alexandria in Egypt’s north on three fishing boats but were stopped by the navy, spokesman Mohamed Samir said in a statement.

He added that the crew operating the three boats was made up of 17 people.

The passengers and crew were all taken to Alexandria’s naval base and referred to authorities.

A refugee is treated for his wounds. Credit: Military Spokesman
A refugee is treated for his wounds. Credit: Military Spokesman

Many people from different parts of the Middle East are resorting to illegal immigration in search for better opportunities abroad, often risking their lives in an unsafe journey in the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

According to the European Union’s official website, the Central Mediterranean has been one of the main routes used by smugglers for almost a decade.

Migrants depart from Libya and more recently Egypt, with the hopes of reaching Southern Europe, the website said.

10858587_715583321905986_7094482935548160681_n

According to the European Commission, 276,000 people entered the European Union through irregular immigration in 2014.

This year, more than 300,000 have risked their lives to make cross the Mediterranean and 2,600 of them have died, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres said on Friday.

“Europe is facing its biggest refugee influx in decades,” he said in a statement.

Tortured Alive or Poisoned to Death: The Suffering of Stray Dogs in Egypt
Prominent Islamist Intellectual El Qaradawi Referred to Military Court


Subscribe to our newsletter


News
@AswatMasriya_En

Aswat Masriya is a Thomson Reuters Foundation-sponsored website that covers Egypt's transition to democracy. en.aswatmasriya.com

More in News

Egypt’s Wrestling Federation Under Investigation Following Young Wrestler’s Escape to France

Shereif Barakat27 May 2023

Egypt Delaying Wheat Payments, but Supply Ongoing as Sellers “Trust” Authority

Omar Auf27 May 2023

Entertainment Activities in Egypt Facing New Tax Measures

Egyptian Streets25 May 2023

Egyptian Fashion Designer Sara Onsi Honored at Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit

Farah Sadek25 May 2023

Egypt Divided Over Silver-Medal Winning Wrestler Who Fled to France

Shereif Barakat24 May 2023

UN Allocates USD 5 Million to Sudanese Refugees Fleeing to Egypt

Marina Makary23 May 2023

Egypt and Oman Sign Deals to Foster Bilateral Cooperation, Strengthen Economic Ties

Farah Rafik23 May 2023

Spotify, Apple Music Face Criticism for Removing Mohammed Assaf’s Palestinian Hit

Shereif Barakat22 May 2023