Three Men Arrested for Migrant Smuggling in Fuerteventura

The National Police apprehended the individuals in Puerto del Rosario after a perilous journey from Africa with 43 people on board.

Image of an inflatable boat on the sea in adverse conditions.
IA

Image of an inflatable boat on the sea in adverse conditions.

Three individuals have been apprehended in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, for their alleged involvement in transporting 43 migrants from the African coast in a high-risk sea crossing.

Officers from the National Police carried out the arrests following an investigation that began on April 5. The operation was launched after Maritime Rescue saved a drifting inflatable boat in waters near the island, which allowed authorities to reconstruct the events.
Inquiries revealed that the journey had started the previous day from Africa, under extremely adverse conditions. The detainees, part of an organized network, had defined roles: one piloted the vessel, another handled navigation using geolocation devices, and the third managed fuel during the trip.

The vessel, a seven-meter Zodiac, lacked basic safety equipment such as life jackets, lighting systems, or communication devices. Furthermore, it carried a number of people exceeding its capacity, leading to extreme overcrowding.

During the nighttime crossing, the 43 occupants endured very harsh conditions, without access to water or food, exposed to rough seas and low temperatures. At a critical point, the boat began to take on water, forcing the migrants themselves to bail for hours to prevent sinking.
The police operation concluded on April 9 with the arrest of the three individuals in Puerto del Rosario. Subsequently, they were brought before a judge, who ordered their provisional imprisonment without bail.