Vox denounces Open Arms docking in Tenerife, calling it “that slave ship”

Vox’s complaint filed with the Maritime Captaincy of Santa Cruz de Tenerife against the rescue vessel Open Arms has sparked a wave of reactions across the Canary Islands and at the national level. While the party demands an inspection and possible immobilisation of the ship, the regional government and the central executive back the NGO, which is carrying out a public‑awareness mission on the Atlantic migration route.

The Vox complaint

Vox, through its spokesman in the Canarian Parliament, Nicasio Galván, lodged a formal complaint asking that Open Arms, currently moored in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, be inspected for alleged lack of authorisations to conduct Atlantic rescues. The party describes the vessel as “high‑risk” and says its activity should be halted if any irregularities are found.

Key points raised by Vox:

• The ship is allegedly waiting to receive notice or communication about vessels carrying foreign nationals “of illegal formation,” a situation the party deems “unlawful.”
• It requests verification of the vessel’s technical obligations, safety requirements, pollution‑prevention measures, and the specific authorisations needed for the two activities and “services” that the director of the Proa‑Proactiva Foundation says will be carried out.

Clash between Abascal and Clavijo

The Canary Islands government had already reacted on 28 August to the statements of Vox leader Santiago Abascal, who on X (formerly Twitter) demanded the “confiscation and sinking” of what he called “that slave ship.”

“That slave ship must be confiscated and sunk, as a warning of the fate that awaits all the multimillionaires and politicians who promote the invasion of Europe.”
— Santiago Abascal, 28 August (X)

That same day, Canary President Fernando Clavijo (CC) visited Open Arms in Tenerife. He labelled Abascal a “authentic fascist,” adding that such rhetoric “only generates tension and does a disservice to democracy.”

From the central government, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly defended the NGO, stating:

“Defending Spain is defending life. Our recognition goes to Open Arms and to those who save lives at sea.”

Ministers Ana Redondo, Félix Bolaños and Yolanda Díaz also condemned the “hate speech” and reiterated support for the organisation.

Open Arms in the Canary Islands with government backing

Open Arms is conducting its first ever Atlantic‑awareness mission in coordination with the Canary Islands government (CC‑PP). Over a two‑month period the ship will:

• Hold public outreach activities and open‑door days in several ports;
• Remain ready to assist in rescues if the need arises.

Schedule of open‑door days

• 1 – 7 October: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• 9 – 15 October: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• 22 – 27 October: Arrecife

In response to Abascal’s accusations, Open Arms posted on its social media that it has saved 70,000 lives and described the leader’s remarks as an “insult to the truth” and “indecency.” The NGO argues that its presence highlights the humanitarian crisis and complements the work of Maritime Rescue without encroaching on its competencies.

The Canary migration route remains one of the deadliest paths to Europe: in the first five months of 2025, NGOs estimate at least 1,482 victims.

Humanitarian work since 2017

During President Clavijo’s visit, he noted that this is the first time the Open Arms vessel has sailed in Atlantic waters since its launch in 2017 from Galicia to Barcelona. He praised the organisation’s “extraordinary humanitarian work over a decade in the toughest central Mediterranean scenarios,” adding that its arrival in the Canaries “reminds us of the need to humanise the migration drama, to look beyond the numbers.”

Clavijo warned that migration cannot be addressed from decisions made behind office doors nor used as a political weapon.

The article reflects the ongoing political dispute over the presence of the rescue ship Open Arms in the Canary Islands, juxtaposing Vox’s demand for its removal with strong backing from regional and national authorities.