RABAT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan navy on Friday rescued 242 Spain-bound migrants in the Mediterranean, official news Agency MAP reported.

A total of 242 sub-Saharan migrants aboard inflatable boats, including 50 women and 12 children, were rescued in the Strait of Gibraltar by the Moroccan navy.

The migrants, some of whom were in bad health condition, received necessary healthcare, and were brought safe to the Moroccan Mediterranean ports.

Morocco has become a hub for African migrants who seek to reach Europe for a better life.

Thousands of migrants try to flee poverty and unrest in Africa each year via Morocco to Europe, either by land into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla or by sea often in flimsy vessels.

According to the Moroccan authorities, over 40,300 illegal immigration attempts were foiled in the first six months of 2019.