ALBAWABA - Fear and anxiety are roiling the Ben Achour area in Blida, Algeria, as 14 young men who set out on an illegal migration route go missing at sea after 11 days.
On September 3, the 14-person crew sailed off of Arhat Beach, which is 132 kilometers west of Algiers. When contact was suddenly shut off hours after their departure, families began a desperate hunt for their loved ones. News usually spreads among migrants already in Spain about what happened to the newcomers – did they make it to the shore safely, were arrested by the Spanish coast guard, or perished tragically?
Families of the missing men, desperate for information, have posted videos on social media pleading with the Algerian coast guard and authorities to step up their search for their loved ones. In an effort to find any leads on the missing group, they have also contacted migrants residing in Spain.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya.net, Walid Hadef, the brother of one of the missing, Abdel Razzak Hadef, said, "The group includes ten young men from Blida, three from Algiers, and one from Guelma, with ages ranging between 22 of 33 years."
Hadef responded to a question on scenario updates by saying, "We haven't heard anything formal yet. I won't believe anything until I hear or see my brother for myself, despite what others have informed us about their possible involvement with the Coast Guard."
Hadef said that assistance with the search and information collecting has come from Algerians as well as foreigners. He asked everybody who was able to help to come forward and provide a hand.
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable surge in the number of young individuals making these perilous "harga," or illegal migration efforts. The increasing number of migrants, including whole families with women and children trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, has also resulted in a rise in the expense of these journeys.
