Semi-submerged drug-smuggling boat found off Tenerife coast

The vessel, believed to have been submerged for months, is being monitored by a police drone and Maritime Rescue to ensure maritime safety.

Semi-submerged boat near the coast of Tenerife, with a police drone hovering above.
IA

Semi-submerged boat near the coast of Tenerife, with a police drone hovering above.

A semi-submerged vessel, similar to those used for hashish transport, has been located off the southern coast of Tenerife, in the Güímar area.

The Local Police of Güímar, in coordination with Maritime Rescue, has been monitoring the boat since last Tuesday. Authorities suspect it is a narcolancha, typically associated with the irregular trafficking of people or narcotic substances.
Images captured by the Local Police drone suggest the vessel may have been submerged for several months before resurfacing or appearing semi-submerged in its current location. The significant presence of encrusting organisms below the waterline, according to consulted experts, indicates a submersion period of one to three months.
The primary objective at present is to ensure maritime safety and prevent the boat from posing a navigation hazard. The vessel is approximately fifty meters from the coast, and its removal, either by land extraction or sea towing, is being evaluated. However, sea conditions up to Wednesday afternoon have prevented these operations from being carried out safely.