Dutch rescue 36 migrants from drifting boat

Dutch authorities rescued 36 people from a drifting inflatable boat off the southern coast of the Netherlands on Saturday and arrested two other men on suspicion of people-smuggling, a Royal Netherlands Marechaussee spokesman said.

Captain Doron Wallin said the boat was found off Breskens, across the North Sea from Britain. The inflatable boat was carrying 38 men. Thirty-six identified themselves as Afghans, while two identified themselves as Sudanese and were arrested as suspected people-smugglers.

Wallin said it was not immediately known where the boat had departed from or where it was headed. He said the passengers had no identity documents and wore no life vests.

The boat had been left drifting without power in what Wallin called a “very dangerous” situation. It was towed to Cadzand, where first aid was given to those who needed it, and the 36 passengers were taken to a nearby accommodation centre.

Wallin said an investigation was due to start on Sunday.