Held off Tangier-Med port until May 31, on the sidelines of the transit operation for Moroccan Expatriates, this large-scale exercise mobilizes significant human and material resources in order to simulate a major crisis situation at sea and to test the responsiveness of Moroccan intervention teams, the ministry said in a press release.

Several high-ranking personalities attended the opening of 2024 Strait SAREX, including representatives of the Royal Armed Forces, the Spanish Civil Guard, as well as numerous maritime security and rescue specialists.

This participation reflects the importance of international cooperation to guarantee safety at sea, the same source underlined, adding that the 2024 Strait SAREX scenario involves a fire breaking out on board a passenger ship, requiring the emergency evacuation of 60 people.

The Royal Navy, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Air Forces, Civil Protection, the General Directorate of National Security, as well as the Fisheries Department, are working in coordination to carry out this delicate operation.

The 2024 Strait SAREX exercise responds to the constant concern to improve the skills of coordinators and rescuers to handle a major event at sea, the minister said.

"'At the same time, it allows us to test the effectiveness of our technical and material capabilities to respond appropriately to distress situations at sea,” he added.

Spain, a neighboring country and key partner of Morocco in maritime security, is actively participating in the 2024 Strait SAREX by deploying significant air and maritime assets, the press release said.

This collaboration demonstrates the mutual commitment of the two countries to guarantee the safety of people at sea, in accordance with international agreements, the same source concluded.