Marechaussee continues interviews with men from Cadzand migrant boat

The 36 Afghan men brought ashore from a disabled rubber boat off the Zeeland coast are still being interviewed by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, which says it is too early to establish where they came from or where they intended to go.

The men were taken on Saturday to the Marechaussee’s Brabant-East brigade in Hoogerheide, where officers are checking their identities and asking whether they want to seek asylum in the Netherlands, the Marechaussee spokesperson told ANP. Those who apply will go to the reception and registration centre in Ter Apel; people who do not qualify for asylum will have to leave the country, according to the report.

The boat, which had lost its engine and was drifting, was towed to Cadzand. Those aboard were brought ashore and given first aid. Two Sudanese nationals who were also on board have been arrested on suspicion of people smuggling.

A previous report said six of the 38 people brought ashore were minors and had been transferred to Ter Apel. It also reported that one adult had applied for asylum. Six minors from the boat were transferred to Ter Apel.