El Hierro receives two migrant vessels with hundreds of people

Two migrant vessels arrived at the port of La Restinga in El Hierro within a few hours, highlighting the ongoing migratory pressure on the Canary Islands.

One vessel, carrying an estimated 150 people, was detected by the Integrated External Surveillance System (SIVE) approximately 22 kilometers south of the island. The Salvamar Navia was deployed to escort the occupants to shore.

A second vessel arrived earlier in the morning carrying 131 people, including 100 men, 25 women, and six minors. This group originated from several African nations, including Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. During this arrival, one person was found dead on board, and two others died following a seven-day journey that began in Gambia. Seven individuals required medical attention for injuries sustained during the crossing, with some being evacuated to hospitals in El Hierro and Tenerife.