Dutch authorities rescued 38 men from a rubber boat drifting without a motor off Zeeland province, Al Jazeera English reported on October 31. None of those aboard had a life vest.
Two Sudanese men were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling. The other 36 men were from Afghanistan, according to AFP, cited in the report.
Doron Wallin, a spokesperson for the Dutch military police, told The Associated Press on Saturday that authorities had not established where the boat had departed or where it was going. He identified France, Belgium and the Netherlands as possible departure countries.
The rescue was unusual for Dutch waters. While small-boat crossings carrying refugees and migrants from France to the United Kingdom have become common in recent years, Wallin said Dutch authorities rarely encounter such boats. The report did not establish that this vessel was attempting to reach Britain.
Dutch authorities were due to open an investigation on Sunday, November 1, according to Al Jazeera.