Six minors from migrant boat transferred to Ter Apel

Six of the 38 people brought ashore from a migrant boat in Cadzand were minors and have been transferred to the reception centre in Ter Apel, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee says. One adult has applied for asylum; the other men are going through the immigration procedure while accommodation is arranged for them.

The inflatable boat was spotted off the Zeeland coast on Saturday morning and towed to Cadzand harbour, where those aboard received medical examinations. The Marechaussee said they were doing reasonably well given the circumstances.

There were 36 men from Afghanistan and two people from Sudan aboard. The two Sudanese nationals have been arrested on suspicion of people smuggling and remain in custody. The Marechaussee says it cannot share initial findings while they are subject to restrictions that allow them to contact only their lawyer.

Investigators have not established where the boat set off from or where it was headed. The investigation is continuing.