Moroccan top-flight club Ittihad Tanger is grappling with a tragic incident as the search intensifies for two footballers who went missing off the northern Mediterranean coast of the country on Saturday. The club’s senior players, Abdellatif Akhrif, 24, and Salman El-Harrak, 18, are still unaccounted for following an excursion that turned perilous.
The Incident
The unfortunate event unfolded when five staff members from Ittihad Tanger embarked on a yacht excursion from the beach resort of M’diq, located north of Tetouan. The group included senior players and promising young talents. However, what was intended to be a leisurely outing quickly turned into a desperate situation.
Rescue Efforts
Emergency services managed to rescue three individuals after the incident. Oussama Aflah, Soumaimane Dahdouh, and Morocco Under-20 international Abdelhamid Maali were saved after being stranded at sea for several hours. The rescued members are a mix of club employees and reserve team players who are considered promising talents.
Ongoing Search
Ittihad Tanger’s president, Mohamed Cherkaoui, confirmed that the search for Akhrif and El-Harrak is still ongoing. Cherkaoui also urged the media and fans to exercise caution with the information they share about the missing players, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation.
Firsthand Account
Aflah, one of the rescued individuals, recounted the events to local media outlet Tanjaoui. He described a seemingly normal day that took a tragic turn. “Everything was normal – we woke up, had breakfast and rented a boat from the marina,” Aflah said. “On our way out to sea, we were even stopped by the coastguard who made sure our papers were in order and that we had life jackets.”
Sudden Change in Conditions
Aflah detailed how the conditions rapidly deteriorated. “Everything was fine, and we were swimming within sight of the shore and just a few meters from the boat before the sea completely changed, and heavy winds took us away from the boat,” he explained.
Safety Concerns
The club’s deputy president, Anass Mrabet, informed Reuters that the men were not wearing life jackets when they decided to go swimming. This lack of precaution has raised concerns and highlighted the importance of adhering to safety measures during such excursions.
Club’s History
Ittihad Tanger has been a notable presence in Morocco’s top football division since 2015. The club achieved a significant milestone by winning the league title for the first time in the 2017-18 season. This historical achievement underscores the club’s prominence in Moroccan football.
Community Support
The tragic incident has garnered significant attention from the football community and beyond. Fans, fellow athletes, and local residents have rallied in support of the search efforts. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of hope and solidarity, emphasizing the collective wish for the safe return of the missing players.
Precautions and Safety
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of safety precautions. It highlights the need for stringent safety protocols, especially when engaging in activities like boating and swimming in open waters. The absence of life jackets, in this case, has brought to light the critical role such safety measures play in preventing tragedies.
Conclusion
As the search for Abdellatif Akhrif and Salman El-Harrak continues, the Ittihad Tanger community remains hopeful. The incident has not only impacted the club but also the broader Moroccan football community. Efforts to locate the missing players are ongoing, with emergency services working tirelessly.
The football world watches with bated breath, hoping for a positive outcome. This incident is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community and solidarity in times of crisis.
Ittihad Tanger’s commitment to finding their players showcases the spirit of unity and perseverance that defines the club. As the search continues, the prayers and hopes of many are with the missing players and their families
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