Guardia Civil reinforces Chafarinas Islands surveillance with new patrol vessel

The Spanish Guardia Civil has deployed the patrol vessel ‘Río Guadiana’ to the Chafarinas Islands to strengthen maritime surveillance and prevent irregular migration. This reinforcement follows the arrival of 34 migrants to the archipelago in two separate groups during late August and early September. The migrants, consisting of 32 individuals of Sub-Saharan origin and two Maghrebis, were transferred to Melilla for processing.

The 25-meter patrol boat, which carries a crew of up to ten, is equipped for inspection, maritime intervention, and diving operations. Authorities stated that the vessel will increase the capacity for response and monitoring in the waters surrounding the islands. Operations may be conducted in coordination with the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie through existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.