In a shocking development, Spanish National Police have apprehended 19 individuals linked to a harrowing migrant boat incident that resulted in multiple deaths and acts of torture. The vessel, which departed from Senegal en route to the Canary Islands, was carrying over 300 passengers, including individuals from Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. However, only 248 survivors were rescued on August 24, with dozens reported missing. Authorities suspect that some victims were accused of witchcraft following a series of misfortunes during the journey, such as engine failure, severe weather, and food shortages. Survivors recounted horrific tales of fellow passengers attacking and abusing others, with some being thrown overboard alive. One male passenger succumbed to severe illness after being hospitalized. The suspects, now in pretrial detention, face charges including homicide, assault, torture, and facilitating irregular immigration. This incident underscores the perilous nature of irregular migration routes into Europe, with Spain being a primary entry point. While nearly 47,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands in 2024, marking a record high, this year has seen a significant decline in numbers, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry.
Spain arrests 19 on suspicion of torture and murder after 50 disappear from migrant boat
