Coming from the Canary Islands, a yacht flying the American flag entered the port of Laâyoune without the knowledge of the city's port authorities. But what intrigued observers was the fact that this vessel entered territorial waters and the port without completing any formalities. While the three Spaniards on board the yacht wanted to avoid any contact with port authorities because the vessel was stolen, the question remains: how did they, with their radars and other sophisticated surveillance means, only notice the boat's presence 24 hours after it had entered the port of Laâyoune?

Whether it was the Royal Navy, customs, or the gendarmerie, no one was aware of the yacht's irregular intrusion. It was only during a routine identity check of foreigners that security force personnel stationed at a checkpoint at the northern exit of the city realised that they were wanted for the theft of the yacht, which they intended to sell in Laâyoune. Immediately arrested, the three Spaniards were brought before the King's Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance, who will undoubtedly order their handover to the Spanish Civil Guard, in accordance with agreements between the two countries regarding the exchange of detainees.

This affair, which fortunately had a quick resolution, draws attention to the negligence that can be fatal and which characterises certain services vital to the country's security.