Maritime Rescue services successfully rescued more than 200 people, including three babies, from two cayucos (small boats) off the southern coast of the Canary Islands yesterday (Friday).
Efforts are currently underway to assist a third cayuco spotted in the area, according to a spokesperson for Salvamento Marítimo.
The first rescue operation was carried out by the Salvamar Adhara, which intercepted a boat approximately 90 kilometres south of El Hierro. They rescued around 150 people, including two infants. The group has been taken to the port of La Restinga in El Hierro
The exact number of rescued individuals from this cayuco remains provisional as authorities finalize the count.
Second Rescue: Guardamar Talía
A second cayuco was spotted 185 kilometres south of Tenerife, leading to a rescue by the Guardamar Talía. This operation brought 67 people to safety, including five women and one infant. The arrived at the port of Los Cristianos (Tenerife) at approximately 10:15pm where they were met by the Red Cross and medical personnel.
Third Cayuco Spotted
A third cayuco was reported 110 kilometres south of Gran Canaria. The rescue vessel Salvamar Macondo, was deployed from the port of Arguineguín, is on its way to assist. The number of people aboard this vessel remains unknown at this time.
The Canary Islands continue to face a significant influx of migrants travelling aboard precarious vessels from the African coast, often in dangerous conditions. Rescue operations like these highlight the ongoing humanitarian and logistical challenges of managing such migrations.
Authorities are working to provide medical aid and support for the rescued individuals as they are brought to safety in the Canary Islands.
