RABAT Human Rights Watch, the US-based organisation, urged Morocco yesterday to investigate media reports that its navy had sunk a boat carry illegal immigrants and caused up to 33 people to drown in the Mediterranean.

The Moroccan Government has denied the allegations, saying that the boat capsized of its own accord and only ten people drowned in the incident on April 28 off al-Hoceima on its northern coast.

Spanish and Moroccan newspapers quoted survivors as saying that at least one Moroccan navy sailor used his bayonet to puncture the inflatable boat, crowded with about 70 illegal immigrants, after it ignored orders to stop. The boat was sailing to Spain when the incident occurred about 30 minutes after leaving the Moroccan coast, they said.

Human Rights Watch said: “Moroccan authorities need to investigate properly to find out what really happened. If Moroccan sailors caused the boat to sink and allowed its passengers to drown, they should be prosecuted.” (Reuters)

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