The Spanish patrol boat Río Tajo had been anchored off the bay of Noaudhibou for four days, waiting for the authorities of the African country to give authorization. The ship is expected to arrive in port today, already in Senegal.
Mauritania has rejected the disembarkation of the 170 migrants who are on board the Spanish patrol boat Río Tajo (Civil Guard) and which had been anchored for four days in front of the Noaudhibou bay awaiting authorization.
According to sources from the Spanish government, the Ministry of the Interior “has not stopped taking the pertinent steps” but finally, and given Mauritania’s refusal, it has been agreed that the rescued people be returned to Senegal, and in fact, the ship He is already traveling to the country, where it is believed he will arrive later today.
The situation on the boat is one of “tranquility within complexity”. Yesterday the Armed Institute set up a system so that, in turns, the rescued people could contact their families.
The Civil Guard detachment in Noaudhibou has “constantly” supplied food and resources to the ship, which has made it possible to ensure water and food for migrants, according to the aforementioned sources. In addition, the Red Cross of the Sea has delivered blankets and other utensils to improve the living conditions of the rescued people.
The rescued people have also received medical attention, especially one of them who, at the time of his rescue, presented a picture of severe dehydration. Cases of heat stroke and some injuries produced during navigation in the cayuco have also been treated.
The ship’s deck has been fitted with small awnings to protect people from the sun and the ship, according to Interior, has not stopped sailing in the Noaudhibou bay to help the sea breeze reduce the high temperatures that can be reached on the ship .
During this time there has been some moment of tension and, according to the sources of this body, some dissuasive shots were fired into the air by the agents.
This is the first time since 2017 that Mauritania has refused a landing of rescued people. Both governments have signed, for a decade, an agreement that allows “the return to their ports of any migrant, regardless of their nationality, as long as they have left their coasts or transited through their territory.” However, from the Ministry of the Interior the rejection is downplayed and as it insisted on Sunday, relations with Mauritania are “excellent”.
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