Rescue operations off the Canary Islands continued to unfold as a coordinated effort to save lives at sea. In this latest incident, a total of 235 people of sub-Saharan origin were rescued on the Canarian archipelago this Wednesday. The group included 38 women and six children, with 121 people disembarking at Gran Tarajal pier in Fuerteventura and 114 being transported to the port of Arguineguín in Gran Canaria. The operation showcased the tireless work of maritime rescue teams who respond to crises in real time across the Atlantic routes that funnel migrants toward the European coastline.
Earlier, Salvamar Mizar reported a separate rescue involving 121 individuals on two inflatable boats, all of sub-Saharan origin. The group comprised 25 women and three girls, organized into two vessels: one with 57 people (45 men and 12 women) and the other with 66 (50 men, 13 women and three girls). The arrival took place before dawn at Gran Tarajal, where those not sharing the shelter of nighttime facilities endured the exposure in the open air at the port while reception services prepared for medical screening and comfort. Emergency and medical authorities indicated that among the adult women could be a dozen minors who would join the three girls in subsequent assessments. The account underscores the vulnerable mix of ages and genders encountered during these perilous crossings. (Source: EFE)
Among the rescued, one man required urgent medical care due to severe hypothermia and was evacuated to a hospital in Fuerteventura for treatment. The incident was followed by further recoveries in the southeastern area, where the Guardamar Caliope team conducted salvage operations. In a second set of recoveries, 114 people were saved on two additional inflatable boats: one carried 54 passengers (47 men, six women, and one child) and the other 60 (51 men, seven women, and two children). All individuals were brought to the port of Arguineguín in Gran Canaria and received initial first aid upon arrival, with the Guardamar Caliope crew present around 8:30 am to coordinate care and ensure swift medical attention. (Source: EFE)
In parallel developments, the NGO Caminando Fronteras issued an alert to Spanish authorities regarding another inflatable vessel. Early on Tuesday, a boat carrying approximately 61 people of sub-Saharan origin, including four children, departed from Tan-Tan in Morocco and reported trouble at sea north of Lanzarote. Helena Maleno, spokesperson for Caminando Fronteras, told EFE that the vessel’s zodiac was distressed after one buoy reportedly exploded, causing panic among those on board. The NGO was able to contact those on the boat, securing approximate coordinates and urging rescue services to respond promptly to prevent casualties. Maleno emphasized the importance of rapid coordination to avert loss of life, particularly given the fear and confusion that accompany such incidents. (Source: EFE)
According to a spokesperson for Salvamento, operations in the area were coordinated with regional rescue services, with responsibility shared between Spain and neighboring nations within the northwest African maritime zone. The statements highlighted ongoing cooperation and the critical role of cross-border coordination when migrant vessels encounter danger at sea. (Source: EFE)