Panamanian Ship Sinks Off Coast of Laayoune

Laayoune – A Panamanian-flagged merchant ship was shipwrecked on Saturday off the coast of Laayoune, according to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

This incident occurred following a report of water ingress while the commercial vessel “DURA BULK” was en route to the port of Laayoune carrying a cargo of bulk clinker, the Ministry said in a press release. Following the report, the relevant authorities immediately launched major search and rescue operations, which enabled the rescue of all crew members, the Ministry reported. The crew, all of whom are foreign nationals, were taken care of and evacuated under good conditions, the same source pointed out. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics added that it is coordinating closely with the concerned authorities to monitor the situation. An investigation will be opened to determine the exact circumstances and causes of this maritime incident, the statement concluded.