Egyptian naval forces foiled two attempts at illegal immigration to Europe near Alexandria, the Egyptian armed forces spokesperson announced earlier Sunday.

According to army spokesperson Mohamed Samir, naval forces intercepted a boat near Alexandria and found it was carrying 143 illegal immigrants of different nationalities, including Egyptians, Sudanese, Syrians, Palestinians and Ethiopians heading to Europe.

naval forces also managed to stop another boat carrying five illegal immigrants from Egypt in addition to four crew members near Alexandria.

Both boats and their passengers were taken to Abu Qir port where they received medical care and where legal proceedings are being taken.

In recent years, thousands of refugees and migrants have attempted to cross the Mediterranean. Hundreds have been arrested in Egypt for attempting to migrate illegally.