Boat with migrants off the Dutch coast is a 'unique' incident

On Saturday, the Marechaussee responded to a report of a rubber boat with 38 people adrift off the Zeeland coast. The boat was towed to Cadzand harbor, where the occupants received medical checks. Most of the individuals are Afghan nationals, while two Sudanese were arrested on suspicion of human smuggling. The Marechaussee is investigating their backgrounds and intentions, including potential asylum applications in the Netherlands. If they have ongoing asylum procedures in other European countries, arrangements will be made for their transfer. Those without asylum rights must leave the country, with government assistance available.