17 suspects placed in preventive detention for allegedly throwing people into the sea in a canoe

The canoe was rescued on 24 August, 429 km off the Canary Islands, with 254 people on board—about 50‑70 fewer than the estimated number who initially set sail. Early survivor testimonies described beatings, mistreatment, deaths from dehydration, and people being thrown alive into the sea. While the exact death toll is still being determined, the magistrate has ordered preventive detention without bail for the alleged perpetrators of illegal immigration, homicide and assault.

The Guardamar Urania Maritime Rescue Service rescued the canoe on 24 August 2025.

Report by Fuerteventura Digital Editorial Staff

Judicial Action in San Bartolomé de Tirajana

• On Monday, a judicial authority in San Bartolomé de Tirajana took statements from 17 individuals linked to the rescued canoe.
• The magistrate ordered preventive detention without bail for the suspects, charging them with illegal immigration, homicide and injuries while the exact number of fatalities is still being ascertained.

“The detainees are being held on suspicion of facilitating irregular migration under article 318 bis of the Penal Code,” the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands reported.

Alleged Involvement

• All 17 suspects are believed to have participated in the organization and operation of the vessel.
• The investigation also ties them to possible homicides and injuries that occurred during the voyage, though the circumstances remain unclear.

Survivor Testimonies

Early statements relayed by EFE indicate that survivors reported:

• Beatings and severe mistreatment aboard the canoe.
• Deaths from dehydration during the journey.
• People being thrown alive overboard.

Uncertain Death Toll

• The precise number of deaths has not yet been confirmed.
• Initial estimates suggested 300‑320 people embarked at the start of the trip, with 254 rescued.
• Authorities are working to verify these figures and determine how many perished.

Vessel and Passengers

• The canoe was sighted on 24 August in open sea and later rescued by the Maritime Rescue Service.
• Most occupants were nationals of Gambia and Senegal, who are believed to have boarded the vessel eleven days before it was found adrift by a merchant ship west of Dajla (Western Sahara).

Ongoing Investigation

• Investigators are still establishing the total number of occupants, the exact conditions of the voyage, and the role of the detained individuals.
• The case remains open, and the court continues its inquiries to clarify responsibilities and determine the final victim count.