National Police Arrest 16 Following Rescuers’ Discovery of Derelict Boat
Rescue Operation and Arrests
The vessel was spotted by a cargo ship approximately 430 kilometres from Gran Canaria. Aboard were at least 10 minors, including two infants and several small children.
The National Police arrested 16 occupants of the cayuco, which was rescued drifting by Salvamento Marítimo on 24 August, after several dozen individuals on board reportedly died. The arrests are based on suspicions of involvement in the incidents that occurred onboard, including potential violent deaths.
Investigation Insights
Sources involved in the investigation confirmed to EFE that the arrests were made following testimonies from several of the 251 survivors, who assert that the cayuco set off with over 300 people on board, a number that some claim could be as high as 320.
The police are attempting to determine not only who was in charge of the cayuco, potentially responsible for crimes against the rights of foreign citizens and reckless homicide (in cases of deaths due to dehydration), but also whether some migrants were thrown overboard alive.
The vessel, having departed from Senegal, was rescued around 429 kilometres south of Gran Canaria, with at least 10 minors on board, including two babies and several small children.
(h2>Further details to follow)
