On Tuesday 19 August, the Senegalese Navy conducted a major rescue operation, saving 133 irregular migrants travelling in a traditional fishing boat, locally called a ‘pirogue’. The boat was intercepted at approximately 92 kilometres off the coast of Dakar by the patrol vessel Cayor, which received crucial support from an Air Force maritime patrol aircraft.

The migrants, who were of various nationalities, were given optimal care before being disembarked at the Amiral Faye Gassama naval base. They were then handed over to the relevant authorities for standard procedures.

This operation once again demonstrates the vigilance and responsiveness of the Senegalese Armed Forces in the face of irregular migration attempts, which continue to endanger hundreds of lives at sea. In coordination with the Air Force and other defence and security forces, the Navy reaffirms its commitment to protecting Senegal’s maritime sovereignty and safeguarding human lives.