A Maritime Rescue crew successfully escorted a cayuco with around 40 people on board to the port of Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife on Saturday afternoon, after it was first spotted by a Fred. Olsen Express passenger ferry going to La Gomera.
The initial alert was raised by the Moby Dick fishing boat, which reported seeing the precarious vessel about four nautical miles from Los Cristianos. Shortly after, the Benchijigua Express ferry also confirmed the sighting.
At approximately 6:20pm, the Salvamar Alpheratz rescue boat was mobilised by Maritime Rescue to intercept it. The crew escorted the small wooden boat to shore, with the operation concluding at 7:30pm.
Maritime Rescue has expressed gratitude to both the Moby Dick and the Benchijigua Express ferry for their cooperation in reporting the vessel and aiding in the safe rescue operation.
Earlier, over 100 people were rescued between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in similar operations.
