Police Investigate Torture and Murders of Migrants at Sea

Authorities are investigating the alleged torture and murder of at least 50 migrants aboard a small boat crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The horrifying claims surfaced after the rescue of 248 survivors near Gran Canaria on August 24, 2023. The migrants reportedly faced brutal treatment after being accused of witchcraft by people smugglers amid dire conditions at sea.

Spanish National Police began their inquiries following testimonies from survivors who described witnessing fellow migrants being beaten and thrown overboard. Witnesses indicated that these incidents occurred when the vessel, known as a cayuco, experienced engine failures and food shortages during the journey from Senegal.

In a significant development, police have detained 19 individuals, including 17 men—16 from Senegal and one from The Gambia—on suspicion of murder and torture. The arrests followed the court appearance of the suspects, who were remanded in custody as investigations continue. A police spokesperson confirmed that the cayuco had initially set sail with approximately 300 people on board, and investigators are now looking into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of more than 50 individuals.

The Spanish Coastguard located the overcrowded vessel drifting off the coast of Gran Canaria. Authorities reported that one migrant died in hospital following the rescue. The police investigation has revealed alarming accounts of violence, with some survivors alleging that those accused of witchcraft were violently assaulted and discarded into the ocean while still alive.

One witness recounted, “Several migrants who were travelling in it spoke of murders, wounding and torture committed during the crossing.” This statement underscores the grim reality faced by individuals attempting to reach Europe by perilous sea routes.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the broader implications of the migrant crisis affecting the Canary Islands. In recent years, the region has experienced a surge in migrant arrivals. Official reports indicate that around 47,000 individuals arrived in the Canary Islands via small boats in 2022, with a notable increase in unaccompanied minors.

Authorities in the Canary Islands have formally requested the Spanish government to declare a migration emergency to address the escalating crisis. Recent figures show that there are currently over 5,000 minors in the archipelago, far exceeding the recognized capacity of 1,737. The Ministry of Youth and Children is expected to take measures that would allow for the transfer of unaccompanied minors from the Canary Islands to mainland Spain as a response to growing concerns about their safety.

This situation has prompted calls for urgent policy reform, with officials warning that the influx of migrants poses significant challenges to public safety and humanitarian obligations. The recent tragic events at sea highlight the desperate circumstances faced by many individuals seeking a better life, and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the ongoing migrant crisis.

The Spanish National Police continue to investigate the full extent of the alleged crimes committed during this journey, as well as the broader context of human trafficking in the region. The plight of these migrants serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that so many endure in search of safety and opportunity.