SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14th April (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, Sunday, witnessed the arrival of three cayucos carrying more than 300 migrants to the islands of Tenerife and El Hierro. These vessels had set sail several days ago from an unspecified location on the sub-Saharan coast, as confirmed by sources from Maritime Rescue.
One of the cayucos made a distress call to 1-1-2, providing varying undisclosed locations; first at a distance of 35 miles from Los Cristianos and then 13 miles from Punta Rasca, mentioning sightings of mountains and a large white ship.
The Maritime Rescue Center in Tenerife initiated a search operation, with support from the Las Palmas Center. The maritime controllers deployed the Helimer 206 helicopter and informed the ferry ‘Volcán de Tirajana’, which, at 5:20 p.m., visually confirmed the presence of the canoe.
Subsequently, instructions were given to maintain position, and Helimer 206, alongside the Alpheraz sea rescuer, were dispatched to the location. The helicopter successfully located the cayuco, which was stationary, and expressed gratitude to the ‘Tirajana Volcano’ for its cooperation before the ferry resumed its voyage.
By approximately 6:10 p.m., the Alpheratz sea rescuer reached the cayuco and conducted the rescue operation, assisting the individuals on board, including 16 women and 1 minor. They were safely disembarked in Los Cristianos and provided with medical attention.
Simultaneously, the Civil Guard detected two suspicious echoes at a distance of 4 miles from La Restinga and dispatched the patrol boat Río Segura. The Rescue Center in Tenerife activated the Adhara rescuer, which located the two canoes carrying a total of 45 and 66 individuals, including women and children, and escorted them to the port.
