LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, 8th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, Saturday, Maritime Rescue successfully rescued ten boats in the waters of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, where over 530 migrants from the African continent were found, as confirmed by sources from the public organisation.
A fishing vessel spotted one of the boats 40 nautical miles northeast of Arrecife. Subsequently, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Las Palmas deployed the Al-Nair rescue boat, which managed to locate the boat and rescue 54 Maghreb-origin individuals, including a woman.
Following this, while heading back to port, the salvamar spotted two more boats, each carrying approximately 50 people. One of the boats was facing a leak, and hence all individuals on board were rescued and taken to Arrecife as they were deemed to be in good health.
In a separate operation, the sea guard vessel Concepción Arenal rescued two more boats carrying 50 and 56 people respectively, which were initially detected by the Civil Guard’s SIVE system about 16-20 miles east of Arrecife. Among the rescued individuals were a pregnant woman and two others who required immediate medical attention, leading to an ambulance being called upon their arrival at the port.
Shortly after, due to phone calls and further SIVE alerts, the sea guard embarked on another rescue mission, saving two additional boats with 56 and 53 migrants (including 2 infants) approximately 37 miles from Punta Mujeres. The rescued individuals were later transported to Arrecife.
Additionally, the Salvamar Izar successfully rescued 55 individuals (including 5 women) who were travelling in a rubber boat located 15 miles southeast of Gran Tarajal through the Civil Guard’s SIVE system. They were then safely transported to Gran Tarajal.
Early morning, the Concepción Arenal conducted two more rescue operations in the waters of Lanzarote, saving a total of 111 individuals. The first boat was spotted by a fishing vessel, while the second was located by the Helimer 202 helicopter. The first boat carried 62 male migrants, whereas the second boat had 48 occupants, including 3 women. One of the rescued individuals was later taken to a hospital for minor medical issues.
