Migrant boat rescued off Zeeland had launched from Dutch territory

A boat carrying 36 Afghan migrants and two suspected smugglers was rescued off the coast of Zeeland in the Netherlands on Saturday.

Prosecutors say it set off from Dutch territory, although the exact launch point is not known.

The boat was spotted by a Belgian pilot vessel at 4:30 a.m.; Dutch authorities received an alert about a troubling situation around 6 a.m.

When rescuers reached it, the boat was adrift without its motor.

The 38 people were taken to shore and checked by ambulance staff; six were minors, and their intended destination is unclear.

The two Sudanese men are suspected of human smuggling and have been held for two more weeks while the case proceeds.

Searchers are still looking for the boat’s motor off Cadzand.