A surge of small boats continues along the Alicante coast after a period of heightened activity, with authorities reporting that 14 vessels have already been intercepted since last Wednesday. The latest development involved a vessel carrying 15 migrants discovered roughly 65 kilometers from Alicante by a passing merchant ship and the Salvamar Leo, a rescue craft from Sea Rescue, which operates from Alicante’s port.
The craft was riding with an outboard motor and was brought to a halt. A local merchant alerted authorities, and Salvamar Leo moved to assist. The rescue team recovered the 15 individuals and transferred them to the Salvamar Leo for transport to the port of Alicante.
immigration file
Upon arrival in Alicante, the Red Cross provided initial aid to the rescued migrants before handover to the National Police, who opened an immigration case and began identifying the boat’s captain to determine any involvement in irregular migration. This is in line with standard procedures followed by law enforcement bodies. In Alicante, this process has been observed by the Migration Networks and Documentary Anti-Fraud Unit (UCRIF) within the Provincial Police Station, as reported previously.
Fifteen migrants received assistance from the Red Cross, with health checks conducted on site, and one of those aided is a minor.