The Helimer 206 helicopter rescued nine people from a boat that was sinking 111 kilometres south of La Restinga in El Hierro this morning (Monday), as reported by Maritime Rescue to the EFE news agency.
The vessel, measuring between 15 to 20 metres in length, was spotted by a tanker en route from Brazil to Cartagena, the Beskidy, which alerted Spanish authorities that it was in a very compromised situation, partially submerged.
Immediately, Maritime Rescue dispatched their rescue helicopter based in Tenerife, along with two vessels, the Salvamar Adhara and a patrol boat from the Guardia Civil, to aid in the rescue. The helicopter flew nine survivors to El Hierro to receive initial medical assistance.
Meanwhile, the Salvamar Adhara has been instructed to continue sailing towards the location of the boat to verify that there are no remaining victims onboard, as indicated by reports from the Helimer rescuers.
The survivors told the helicopter crew and medical personnel that they set sail nine days ago bound for the Canary Islands, capsized two days ago, and they are the only ones who managed to turn the boat back over and climb aboard again, despite it being partially submerged.
The survivors, for whom no further details have been disclosed yet, except that they are from sub-Saharan Africa, are being attended to by healthcare professionals and Red Cross personnel at El Hierro airport. So far, ambulances have transported three of them to the island’s hospital.
