Two players from top-flight Moroccan soccer team Ittihad Tanger have been reported missing at sea since Saturday. The players were part of a group of five who went cruising off the northern city of Tangier when strong currents and heavy winds swept their small yacht away, said club deputy president Anass Mrabet.

The incident occurred as the players were swimming in deep waters, with no buoys to aid them. Mrabet revealed that three players were rescued on Saturday, but the search continues for Salman Harraq and Abdellatif Akhrif.

Harraq, 18, was on the cusp of joining the senior team this year, while Akhrif, 24, is already a full squad member. The distressing news has shaken the club and the local community.

Ittihad Tanger has been a staple in the Moroccan top flight since 2015, clinching their first and only league title in the 2017-18 season. However, the team has faced challenges, struggling in the lower half of the standings in recent years.

The tragedy underscores the unpredictability of the sea and the importance of safety measures. As the search for Harraq and Akhrif continues, the football community remains hopeful for their safe return.