Quick action from bystanders who witnessed events this afternoon saved lives. Eight people were thrown overboard from a drug-boat, while others struggled against dangerous currents near the area. The scene echoed the dangerous currents seen near the Sancti Petri inlet in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz, where a similar situation once helped prevent drownings by guiding victims to safety.
Javier González, the director of the nautical company Naútica Gurri, described the incident to EFE. He managed to rescue seven individuals, while several others were left semi-conscious and fighting the sea. The chaos involved migrants who were aboard the vessel as it sped away from the shore toward open water.
In the vicinity of Camposoto Beach in San Fernando, eight Moroccans were forced to jump overboard as the boat, a semi-rigid craft, accelerated. Moments later, four bodies were recovered from the water. The crew directed the boat toward the Sancti Petri canal using three powerful engines and attempted to shield eight migrants on board from the current, urging them not to jump into the sea.
Witnesses reported hearing commands and threats as the crew allegedly threatened those on board with force. One account described a gun being pointed and orders to jump or face violence, while another witness told the Red Cross team that a knife had been brandished.
A windsurfing operator who happened to be in the area at the time was there to film a video with a team. He later described the day as terrifying yet meaningful, saying he was proud to have helped save lives. He recalled that the drug boat appeared suddenly, racing through the water at full speed, leaving a scene of confusion and danger in its wake.
Anticipating the peril of the water and the vulnerability of the migrants, many of whom lacked swimming skills and wore inadequate clothing for the season, he quickly bought a small zodiac inflatables. After bringing it ashore, he set out to lend assistance. He recalled reaching the affected area in about a minute, discovering three people already unconscious in the water, and pulling them to safety before they drowned.
He managed to bring seven people to safety in two separate transfers with his boat. The eighth survivor was helped by a young bystander who dove into the sea to aid him, risking his own life against the current. Together with others already on the beach, the rescuers wrapped the migrants in blankets and attempted to revive them. They notified emergency services, including 112, which alerted the Civil Guard, National Police, Red Cross, and Sea Rescue. The rescuer later explained that those who could speak were grateful, with ages ranging from about 15 to 20 years old. They reportedly paid 5,000 euros for the trip. Three individuals were taken to Puerto Real hospital for care.
Civil Guards initiated an operation to locate the drug boat, which had rapidly fled the scene. Eyewitnesses described a vehicle carrying four people, including a woman and a man, and two Spaniards along with two Moroccans.
From the 31 migrants who survived the voyage on the drug boat, 25 were adults and six were minors, according to data from the Government Subdelegation in Cádiz. The bodies of the four deceased were transported to the Cadiz Forensic Anatomy Center to determine their ages, identities, and causes of death.