Moroccan Influencer’s Migrant Boat Crossing

A Moroccan social media influencer joined his countrymen heading on boats to Europe with the message “The last one to leave Morocco, turn off the light”.

The journey of influencer Hamza Tarik was being broadcast to his 20,800 online followers on Instagram before it was noticed by Spanish media, who started to report on his journey after he had already arrived.

He landed at Famara beach located on the Spanish resort town of Lanzarote, in the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, on 9th October, with the Spanish press starting to report on his story on Tuesday 20th October.

Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands most popular destinations among holidaymakers as the island is known for its beautiful volcanic landscape and year-round good weather.

One of the videos shows the moment Tarik holds the camera in a selfie position recording himself and a large group of people travelling with him in the small boat.

The group salute and cheer to the camera as Tarik turns to film other occupants of the boat.

Various message can be heard including one where Tarik says: “The last one to leave Morocco, turn off the light”.

A second video shows the moment the men arrive at Famara beach where he thanks God for his safe delivery.

Despite the positive attitude of the men on board, the journey is not easy and boats are often lost at sea in the voyage.

Tarik reportedly stayed at a family member’s home after first landing on the Spanish beach but later took a ferry to the Port of Corralejo in the island of Fuerteventura.

Corralejo is one of the island’s main tourist destinations and is home to a large population of British and German expats.

Local media report Tarik’s case is part of a growing number of Africans from various countries travelling to the Canary Islands, with reports of 1,350 people waiting for housing at the Harbour Arguineguin.

A reported 325 people had to be rescued by Spanish authorities between the hours of 9:45 and 12:00 yesterday (Wednesday) alone.