On Saturday, the third edition of the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb Vertical Fishing Cup concluded in Tangier, featuring a Moroccan team that won the grand prize.
Yassine Temsamani led the “Souad” vessel to first place by catching the largest fish in the competition after two days of intense competition, which began on Thursday, October 23, with 250 professional anglers divided among 63 boats from six countries: Morocco, Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, Italy, and Turkey.
Participation reached a record number in the event’s history, highlighting the growing international appeal of this competition, which combines sport with environmental preservation.
During the awards ceremony held at 6 PM at the Tangier Mediterranean Port, organized by the Royal Yacht Club of Tangier, Temsamani raised the cup in front of a crowd of spectators and officials.
In a statement to the press, Temsamani remarked, “This victory is not just ours; it is the result of teamwork with my wonderful crew and a tribute to everyone preserving the heritage of sports fishing in our beautiful strait.” He added, “What matters most is not just winning but the environmental initiatives this edition has brought, including the installation of artificial reefs in the Tangier sea to preserve its fish stock and coastal diversity.”
Temsamani also noted the efforts to collect waste, alongside donating captured fish to an orphanage in Tangier, enhancing the solidarity aspect of the event.
The ceremony concluded with a celebration marking the centenary of the Royal Yacht Club, which organizes the event, attended by local officials and foreign diplomats.
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