Police provided a significant update today regarding the tragic deaths of over 70 migrants in suspected “murders” while attempting to reach the Canary Islands.
Authorities in Gran Canaria confirmed that multiple arrests were made as part of an ongoing criminal probe following the deaths of numerous migrants en route to the island. Approximately 320 individuals embarked on the boat in late August, but only 248 successfully made it to the Canary Islands.
Reports suggested that some migrants were allegedly killed and thrown into the Atlantic Ocean. Survivors claimed that an unknown number of victims were shot after the overcrowded boat they were on encountered engine issues.
Law enforcement officials stated that arrests were made in connection with the investigation, which is now being overseen by a court in the southern area of the holiday destination. A spokesperson for the National Police mentioned, “The exact number of fatalities cannot be confirmed at this time as the case is still under investigation. Several individuals allegedly linked to these incidents were apprehended recently and will be interrogated before facing court proceedings.”
Unverified accounts, initially reported by a Spanish news outlet, indicated that between 20 to 30 migrants currently in refugee facilities in the Canaries are under investigation for their suspected involvement in the sea “executions.” Allegedly, tensions arose onboard the ship due to accusations of theft and witchcraft as essential supplies dwindled during the more than a week the vessel was adrift before being rescued.
Following a distress signal on August 24 from a passing merchant ship, around 250 people were rescued west of Dakhla city in the disputed Western Sahara region, approximately 265 miles from the Canary Islands. Upon reaching Arguineguin on Gran Canaria’s southern coastline on August 25, survivors recounted harrowing tales of migrants succumbing to thirst, hunger, and delirium induced by dehydration, with some resorting to jumping overboard.