A boat carrying 19 migrants was found adrift near Mallorca. Only two survived after 15 days at sea. Authorities report the bodies of 17 victims were thrown overboard. The incident has sparked political criticism.
Seventeen migrants have died attempting to reach the Balearic Islands after their small boat spent 15 days adrift in the Mediterranean. The tragedy came to light when two survivors, both of North African origin, were rescued by the Guardia Civil about 12 miles southwest of Mallorca in the early hours of Tuesday. According to official reports, the vessel had departed from North Africa with 19 people on board, but only two made it to rescue.
Authorities say the survivors were found in a critical state, suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. Both were immediately transferred to Son Espases Hospital in Palma, where their condition is now reported as stable. The survivors told rescuers that, as the days passed without rescue, the other passengers died one by one. With no other option, the bodies were thrown into the sea during the ordeal.
The alarm was raised by the Rosalind Franklin ferry, operated by Balearia, which spotted the drifting boat during its route between Barcelona and Algeria. Salvamento Marítimo responded by deploying the Helimer rescue craft to search the surrounding area, but no additional survivors or bodies were found. The incident has highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in small, overcrowded boats.
Balearic Islands president Marga Prohens expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the event as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of migration. She criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for what she described as a lack of recognition of the migration crisis affecting the islands. Prohens pointed out that nearly 100 migrants had arrived in the Balearics in less than 24 hours, with arrivals up 17% in recent days. She called for stronger border controls, activation of Frontex, and a more proactive approach to migration policy.
In a separate incident, 15 more migrants were rescued around 30 miles southwest of Ibiza early the same morning. These repeated arrivals underscore the persistent risks and humanitarian challenges in the region. According to official data, the Balearic Islands have seen a significant increase in irregular migrant arrivals in recent years, driven by instability and economic hardship in parts of North Africa. Spanish authorities continue to face pressure to improve rescue operations and address the root causes of dangerous crossings. The events off Mallorca serve as a grim reminder of the perils faced by those seeking a new life in Europe and the urgent need for coordinated action at both national and European levels.
