Spain's Balearic Islands rescue 171 migrants in 24‑hour surge

Spanish authorities rescued a total of 171 migrants over a 24‑hour period in the Balearic Islands, intercepting seven precarious boats that landed on Formentera, Cabrera and Mallorca. Operations involved the Guardia Civil, local police units, fire services and the Red Cross, with interceptions occurring from early morning to late evening and targeting both Sub‑Saharan and Maghrebi nationals.

Earlier on Sunday, emergency services also intercepted 50 Maghrebi migrants arriving in three small vessels around Cabrera and Formentera. The continued rescues are part of a broader trend: for the year to date, 182 arrivals of such boats have been recorded, carrying 3,470 irregular migrants, while 2025 saw 401 boats with 7,321 people, a 24.5% rise over the previous year.