The Guardia Civil have arrested seven people accused of murdering four migrants who misbehaved during the perilous journey of a cayuco that reached the port of La Restinga, El Hierro, on 3rd November 2024, after crossing the Atlantic from Gambia.
The detainees are alleged to have served as the leaders of the overcrowded vessel, which was carrying 207 people, and thrown the dead bodies overboard to warn others to behave.
The investigation began after testimonies from survivors painted a harrowing picture of the voyage. Described as a "true nightmare," the journey saw its darkest moments three days after the cayuco departed from Gambia, with a stopover on the Senegalese island of Bassoul where most passengers boarded.
Three of the vessel's leaders reportedly assumed responsibility for maintaining order among the passengers. However, their methods turned violent when one passenger, disoriented from the gruelling conditions, became a scapegoat for the difficulties of the journey.
The leaders allegedly blamed him for the group’s hardships, subjecting him and those who defended him to severe beatings. The violence escalated, culminating in the murder of four passengers, whose bodies were reportedly thrown overboard to instil fear among the rest of the boat’s occupants.
Survivor Hospitalised
One of the migrants had to be urgently hospitalised after arriving at La Restinga. Doctors discovered a deep chest wound, suspected to be the result of a stabbing, which required immediate urgent treatment. The incident was a crucial piece of evidence in the Guardia Civil’s investigation.
Families Informed
Three of the four deceased have been identified, and their families have been notified. The Guardia Civil, in collaboration with Senegal's Gendarmerie Nationale, facilitated communication with the victims’ relatives. Efforts are ongoing to identify the fourth victim and contact their family.
Justice and Accountability
The seven detainees were apprehended at the Las Raíces reception centre in Tenerife, where they were housed following their arrival. Authorities have stated that the alleged killings were part of a deliberate effort to maintain control and intimidate passengers during the treacherous voyage.
This tragic case demonstrates the extreme dangers faced by migrants undertaking these perilous journeys. It also highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and combat the exploitation and violence perpetrated by those who take advantage of vulnerable individuals.
