Netherlands Coast Guard Rescues 38 People from Drifting Rubber Boat

THE HAGUE, Oct 31: Dutch authorities rescued 38 people from a rubber boat drifting off the southern Netherlands coast early Saturday, in an unusual maritime interception in the country.

The operation was carried out by the Netherlands Coast Guard and the Marechaussee military police near Breskens in Zeeland province, approximately 250 kilometres south of Amsterdam. The boat, which had no engine, was found drifting at sea and subsequently towed to shore.

Marechaussee spokesperson Doron Wallin said two of the 38 occupants had been detained on suspicion of involvement in people smuggling. None of those aboard was wearing a life jacket.

Authorities have not yet established the passengers’ nationalities, their point of departure or their intended destination. Wallin said investigators were examining whether the vessel had originated from France, Belgium or the Netherlands.

Following the rescue, all passengers were brought to safety and assessed for possible hypothermia. They were subsequently transferred to another location while officials began verifying their identities and immigration status.

The incident stands out because migrant boat interceptions are relatively uncommon along the Dutch coastline. In recent years, thousands of people have attempted to cross the English Channel from France to the United Kingdom in small, often overcrowded vessels.

Earlier this year, the British and French governments agreed on a multimillion-euro arrangement to tackle irregular Channel crossings. The measures include additional police patrols and improved surveillance along northern France’s coastline.

Wallin noted that such incidents are more frequently reported in France and Belgium, while similar discoveries remain rare in the Netherlands.

The circumstances surrounding Saturday’s incident, including the boat’s departure point and intended route, remain under investigation.