Sesimbra authorities rule out migrant landing after rubber boat seizure

Portuguese authorities, including the GNR and Maritime Police, have ruled out the possibility that a rubber boat found at Praia da Foz in Sesimbra was used for a migrant landing. While initial reports from a fisherman suggested a group of 20 to 30 people had disembarked near Aldeia do Meco, investigators stated that no testimonies collected confirmed the presence of such a group.

Evidence found at the scene, including fuel jerrycans and Spanish-branded water bottles, suggests the incident may be linked to narcotics trafficking or fuel smuggling. The seized vessel has been moved to the Port of Setúbal for forensic examination by the Judiciary Police. Authorities are maintaining surveillance via land, sea, and air to determine the origin of the boat and the circumstances of its arrival.