Spanish police have arrested 19 people accused of murder, torture, and human smuggling after more than 50 migrants went missing during a dangerous sea journey from Senegal to the Canary Islands. The shocking case shows the deadly risks migrants face when crossing to Europe.
The wooden boat was rescued on August 24, south of Gran Canaria, with 248 survivors, according to Spain’s National Police. But officials believe about 300 people started the journey, meaning many never made it to shore. Survivors told police that dozens were thrown into the sea during the trip.
The situation on board turned violent after the engine failed, food ran out, and the weather worsened. Fear and suspicion spread among the passengers. Some were accused of being “witches” and blamed for the problems. Violence then broke out against those who were targeted.
Police reports say migrants were beaten, tortured, and attacked. In some cases, people were thrown overboard while still alive. Others who fell into the water were left to drown. Some were assaulted simply for speaking out about the terrible conditions on the boat.
One passenger, found seriously ill when the vessel was rescued, later died in hospital. The passengers included people from Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau.
The 19 suspects are now in pretrial detention facing charges of human smuggling, homicide, assault, and torture. Police say their investigation is still ongoing.
Spain has become one of the main gateways for irregular migration into Europe. Almost 47,000 migrants reached the Canary Islands in 2024, a record number for the second year in a row. This year, arrivals have been lower, according to the Interior Ministry.
This case highlights the risks of overcrowded boats and unsafe journeys across the Atlantic. Human rights groups say that without safer and legal migration routes, many more lives will be lost at sea.