Spain’s maritime rescue agency, Salvamento Marítimo, was forced to travel an extensive 520 kilometres from Gran Canaria to rescue a cayuco (a type of small boat) carrying 120 migrants.
The rescue operation was initiated after Moroccan authorities reported that they did not have the necessary resources in the area to carry out the rescue.
Distress call and immediate response
On Monday, the merchant vessel ‘ENSCO DS-10’ reported sighting a distressed cayuco approximately 320 nautical miles south of Gran Canaria, equivalent to around 520 kilometres. The cayuco was struggling against challenging conditions, with three-metre waves and sustained winds of 20 knots making the situation increasingly perilous. The area where the vessel was located falls under a shared rescue zone between Spain and Morocco. Moreover, the nearest available rescue services was responsible for attending to emergencies.
In accordance with international agreements, Spain’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre immediately contacted Moroccan authorities to determine which country would respond to the distress signal. However, Morocco indicated they lacked the necessary resources in the vicinity to conduct the rescue operation. As a result, Spain’s Salvamento Marítimo deployed the rescue ship Guardamar Concepción Arenal from Gran Canaria to assist.
A long and difficult rescue
Nearly a day after the initial distress signal, the Guardamar Concepción Arenal reached the scene and located the cayuco with 120 people on board. One woman was found in a serious condition, necessitating close medical monitoring on the rescue vessel. A helicopter remained on standby, prepared to transfer her to a hospital in the Canary Islands if her condition deteriorated.
Ongoing migrant crisis and Spain’s role
Moreover, this incident is part of the broader migrant crisis affecting the region. Spain has frequently found itself at the forefront of rescue operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, often stepping in when neighbouring countries are unable or unwilling to provide assistance. As previously reported by InSpain.news, Spain’s role in addressing the migrant crisis has been critical, especially given the increasing number of migrants attempting perilous journeys across the sea.
Spain’s efforts in handling the ongoing migrant crisis demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian principles, even in challenging circumstances. However, this also highlights the need for improved cooperation and resource sharing among Mediterranean countries to better manage and respond to such emergencies.
Challenges in the shared maritime rescue zone
The shared maritime rescue zone between Spain and Morocco is intended to ensure swift and effective responses to emergencies at sea. However, the recent incident underscores the difficulties that arise when one party is unable to fulfill its obligations due to resource constraints. Improved coordination and investment in maritime rescue capabilities across the region are essential to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Spain’s proactive stance in maritime rescues is commendable, but the growing frequency of such incidents raises questions about the sustainability of relying heavily on a single nation’s resources. It is crucial for neighbouring countries to bolster their capabilities and collaborate more effectively to address the persistent challenges posed by migrant movements in the region.