6 minors among 38 rescued from migrant boat off Dutch coast; 1 adult applies for asylum

Out of the 38 occupants of the migrant boat that was brought ashore in Cadzand on Saturday, six were minors. They have been transferred to Ter Apel, the Marechaussee reports. One adult occupant has applied for asylum; the remaining men are going through the immigration procedure. Accommodation is being arranged for them.

In total, 38 people were on the rubber boat that was sighted off the Zeeland coast on Saturday morning. Besides 36 men from Afghanistan, there were two Sudanese on board. They have been arrested for human smuggling and remain in custody.

The Marechaussee cannot yet disclose any initial findings in the investigation because the suspects are under restrictions and may only have contact with their lawyers. It is therefore not yet known where the people boarded the boat or where they intended to go. The investigation into this is continuing.

The boat was towed to the harbor of Cadzand, where the occupants were medically examined. According to the Marechaussee, they were in good condition.