Else Beekman
Gran Canaria has seen the arrival of the largest cayuco, or migrant boat, in its history. The vessel carried 231 people of sub-Saharan origin, including 58 minors and 13 women. They had reportedly departed from Gambia 11 days earlier.
Emergency services on the island confirmed the arrival and provided immediate assistance to the passengers. Many of them came from Gambia, Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. This boat marks the highest number of people to arrive on Gran Canaria in a single vessel, surpassing previous records.
Humanitarian and medical aid
Upon landing, the passengers disembarked on their own and received humanitarian and medical aid. According to emergency services, three individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment of minor conditions related to the long and dangerous sea journey.
The Red Cross confirmed that while this is the largest cayuco to reach Gran Canaria, other Canary Islands, such as El Hierro, have seen even larger vessels in the past year, with some carrying over 280 people and one boat reaching 330.
Rescue operation near arguineguín
Authorities were alerted when the boat was spotted 5.5 kilometres off the coast of Arguineguín. While a rescue ship, the Salvamar Macondo, was dispatched by Maritime Rescue to assist, the cayuco managed to reach the shore without external help.
Also read: New immigration reform worries advocates of mass regularisation