Migrant boat rescued off Cadzand left from the Netherlands

The rubber boat carrying 38 people, rescued off Cadzand on Saturday, set off from Dutch territory, the Openbaar Ministerie (OM) announced on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Koninklijke Marechaussee said that, as far as is known, it is the first time such a large boat of migrants has left from Dutch territory. The crossing from the Netherlands is less attractive because the distance is greater.

Of the 38 people, 36 were Afghan men, including 6 minors, and two were Sudanese men. The two Sudanese men were arrested on suspicion of involvement in people smuggling. Their pre-trial detention has been extended by two weeks, and they are held under restrictions (beperkingen), meaning they may only have contact with their lawyer.

The boat was spotted on radar and the coastguard went out. The crew saw people on board and called in the Marechaussee and the sea rescue service KNRM. The boat had lost its engine and was adrift without steering. It was brought to the harbour of Cadzand, where medical staff checked the people for signs of hypothermia. According to the OM, they are doing as well as can be expected in the circumstances.

The six minors were taken to the asylum centre in Ter Apel. The Marechaussee is investigating under the leadership of the OM in Zeeland-West-Brabant. Because the suspects are held under restrictions, no findings are being released. The search for the boat's engine off the coast of Cadzand continues.