Four dead after migrant boat runs out of food and water near the Canary Islands
Maritime Rescue retrieved a cayuco carrying more than a hundred people south of El Hierro this morning (Sunday), with four people found dead on board after the vessel reportedly ran out of food and water while adrift 30 kilometres offshore.
Emergency services received a distress call at around 6:25am from those on the boat, who said they were stranded without fuel or provisions.
Following confirmation of their position, maritime controllers deployed the rescue vessel Salvamar Navia and the Helimer 201 helicopter.
The occupants were guided to safety at approximately 8:15am local time, arriving at port around 10:15am. Several survivors were reported to be in poor health due to the conditions endured during the crossing, and needed urgent medical treatment.
At the same time, maritime rescue confirmed that the Salvamar Diphda and Helimer 201 were continuing to search for another small migrant vessel believed to be in difficulty in nearby waters.
The incident emphasises the ongoing humanitarian crisis along the Canary migration route, which continues to see perilous journeys undertaken in overcrowded, unseaworthy boats.
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