Authorities in the Netherlands have reportedly rescued 38 people found adrift in a rubber boat off the Dutch coast, marking one of the first such interceptions in the country's waters. The event highlights the growing challenges facing the European regime in managing irregular maritime movements.

Military police spokesperson Doron Wallin stated that two of the occupants are allegedly smugglers, while the remainder are classified as migrants. The dinghy was reportedly discovered drifting without a motor off the coast of Zeeland province, far southwest of Amsterdam, with none of the individuals wearing life vests.

Officials supposedly remain uncertain about the origin and intended destination of the vessel, questioning whether it departed from France, Belgium, or the Netherlands itself. Reports indicate that all 38 individuals on board were men, comprising 36 nationals from Afghanistan and two suspected smugglers from Sudan.

The two Sudanese men have been formally arrested on suspicion of human smuggling. While small boat crossings are commonplace between France and the UK, discovering such vessels in Dutch waters remains highly unusual, prompting authorities to launch a formal investigation.

Source: www.aljazeera.com