A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in the Canary Islands early Thursday morning, with six rescue boats and a helicopter from the Maritime Rescue Service working tirelessly to aid six cayucos carrying a total of 677 survivors, including 26 minors. Tragically, between a dozen and fifty lives were lost during their journey. The town of La Restinga on the island of El Hierro was once again faced with the migrant crisis as 250 survivors disembarked on Thursday morning. Among the survivors were those from two specific cayucos, one carrying 190 people in good health and another where 11 individuals required hospitalization on El Hierro, and three had to be urgently transferred to Tenerife. Unfortunately, one of them did not survive.
The survivors recounted to emergency workers the harsh conditions they endured during their 13-day journey from Nuakchot, the capital of Mauritania, to El Hierro. With their boat losing power on the third day, they were left adrift at the mercy of currents and wind. Reports suggest that they may have been at sea for ten days, with six of those days spent without water or food. Upon arrival, some survivors admitted to throwing the bodies of the deceased overboard. Conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties arose, with initial estimates suggesting between nine and twelve deaths, while survivors at the Temporary Foreigner Assistance Center suggest a much higher number. One male survivor, aged between 30 and 35, passed away shortly after arrival in Spain due to electrolyte imbalance, likely from drinking seawater during the journey.
The influx of migrants to El Hierro has pushed the police force to its limits, with officers from Tenerife being mobilized to ensure security at the Temporary Foreigner Assistance Center on the island. The situation has caused strain on the police force, with reports of a manpower shortage affecting the safety of officers and the community. The precarious working conditions faced by officers dealing with incoming migrants have raised concerns about the lack of resources and security measures in place at the facilities. The police union Jupol has raised alarm regarding the dire migrant situation in the Canary Islands and the strain it has placed on law enforcement.
The harrowing rescue operation and tragic loss of lives highlight the ongoing migrant crisis in the Canary Islands, with thousands of individuals risking their lives in dangerous sea crossings. The survivors’ accounts underscore the extreme conditions they face during their perilous journeys, including lack of essentials like water and food. The influx of migrants has overwhelmed local authorities and emergency services, leading to challenges in providing adequate support and care for those in need. The unrest in El Hierro and the strain on law enforcement highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts and resources to address the migration crisis in the region. Efforts to improve migrant reception facilities and ensure the safety and well-being of both migrants and the local community are crucial in managing the ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration in the Canary Islands.
