Spanish authorities intercept migrant boats off Formentera and Cartagena

Spanish maritime authorities have intercepted multiple migrant vessels off the coasts of Formentera and Cartagena.

In the Mediterranean waters approximately 19 miles south of Formentera, a coordinated operation involving Salvamento Marítimo and the Guardia Civil rescued 19 people of Maghrebi origin. This incident marks the second such arrival in the Pitiusas islands in two weeks, following previous arrivals on September 25 and October 6.

In a separate large-scale operation off the coast of Cartagena, seven boats carrying a total of 101 people—comprising 83 men, four women, and 14 minors—were intercepted. The operation involved the Guardia Civil, Maritime Rescue, and the Tax Agency’s Customs Surveillance Service. The migrants were taken to Cartagena for assistance from the Red Cross and transferred to the National Police for immigration procedures.

Following these interceptions, the Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) has called for increased personnel and modernized maritime equipment in the Murcia region, noting that certain high-speed patrol vessels remain out of service.