A 58-year-old officer from the Customs Inspection Service died in a maritime accident while taking part in a high-stakes effort to intercept a vessel suspected of trafficking narcotics. The incident occurred during an operation aimed at boarding a sailboat believed to be loaded with illegal drugs in the Atlantic Waters, according to the Tax Office’s latest briefing.
Officials described the scene as it unfolded around 08:30 on a Saturday, with observers reporting that the sailboat, positioned west of the Canary Islands, was slated for a routine inspection as part of ongoing anti-smuggling measures. The operation was managed by a dedicated Special Operations unit known for handling complex maritime interceptions, the Tax Office confirmed.
During the course of the operation, the auxiliary vessel assigned to the Special Operations Ship Fulmar engaged with the suspected craft. It was reported that the sailboat, which the authorities suspected of concealing illegal cargo, was brought under closer scrutiny to ensure a thorough examination of its vessel and cargo. The pursuit and subsequent actions occurred at considerable distance from the coast as investigators sought to safeguard both the crew and the integrity of the operation.
In a sudden turn of events, the Fulmar’s auxiliary craft capsized, throwing crew members into the open sea. As the situation developed, the crew attempted to address the emergency while the sailing vessel crew reportedly ignited the suspect ship to impede further inquiry, a maneuver that complicated rescue efforts and verification of the vessel’s contents.
Despite rapid response from on-board teams and rapid medical interventions, the officer succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. The loss was confirmed by central customs authorities after initial life-saving measures were exhausted and the remaining officers were accounted for. The tragic death underscores the dangers faced by frontline officers in high-risk, law-enforcement maritime operations.
The body of the deceased official was recovered and the four crew members of the sailboat were detained and brought to port for processing. They have been taken to Melilla, where the officer’s family also resides, to facilitate proper identification and subsequent inquest into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigations continue to determine the exact sequence of events and any contributing factors that led to the incident, with authorities coordinating closely with regional and national maritime safety agencies.
Further updates are anticipated as investigators complete the on-site assessment and interview remaining personnel involved in the operation. The broader authorities reaffirm their commitment to conducting a transparent inquiry to shed light on the chain of events and to ensure that all procedural safeguards were observed during the interception attempt. In the meantime, Melilla will serve as the focal point for family notifications and official briefings as the case progresses.