Balearic Islands sees surge in migrant arrivals via small boats

A significant number of migrants have arrived at the Balearic Islands via small boats over a two-day period. On Saturday, two additional vessels were intercepted, carrying 40 people. These included 23 individuals of Sub-Saharan origin rescued near Cabrera and 17 people of Maghrebi origin near Formentera.

These arrivals follow a busy Friday during which at least five boats reached the archipelago, carrying 102 migrants to various locations including Formentera, Ibiza, Cabrera, and Mallorca. In total, at least 142 migrants have arrived in the islands across seven vessels in the last two days.

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior and the Government Delegation in the Balearic Islands, there has been a notable increase in migration activity. So far this year, 243 vessels carrying 4,571 irregular migrants have arrived at the archipelago, compared to 401 vessels and 7,321 people in 2025.