Among the 38 migrants who arrived in Vila do Bispo, 7 are minors, and 10 of the total group required hospitalization.
In a surprising incident on August 8, 2025, a group of 38 Moroccan migrants, consisting of 25 men, six women, and seven children (including a 12-month-old baby), were discovered in a weakened state on Boca do Rio beach in Vila do Bispo, Algarve, Portugal [1][2].
Upon finding the group, they were found to have arrived on a small handmade wooden boat [3]. The condition of the 12-month-old baby and other individuals was not immediately clear, but it is known that some of the migrants required hospitalization [2].
The authorities have taken swift action, providing temporary accommodation for all migrants in adapted pavilions in Sagres. The National Gendarmerie (GNR), Civil Protection, and fire brigade are overseeing their care [2][4].
In response to this incident, increased surveillance and patrols along the Algarve coast have been implemented by the Portuguese Navy and National Maritime Authority to detect and intercept any illegal maritime arrivals [1]. A judicial ruling by the court in Silves has mandated that the migrants have 20 days to leave Portugal voluntarily or face forced expulsion to Morocco [2].
The public has been urged to report any suspicious vessels or movements to maritime authorities [1]. The authorities have emphasized that Portugal’s coastline remains secure and praised the rapid and effective response to the irregular migrant landing [2].
Currently, the 38 Moroccan migrants, including the infant, are under supervision in temporary accommodation, with no detailed public update on the baby's medical condition. The judicial and border control measures are actively in place to manage the situation [1][2][4].
[1] - [Portuguese News Source 1] [2] - [Portuguese News Source 2] [3] - [Portuguese Government Press Release] [4] - [Portuguese Red Cross Statement]
Social workers, in collaboration with health-and-wellness professionals, have been summoned to assess the medical condition of the 12-month-old baby and other migrants, given their weakened state upon arrival in Portugal. The Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education has initiated a research project to explore the reasons driving such instances of social science phenomena, focusing on the socio-economic factors influencing the migrants' decisions.
