Formentera migrant boat skipper faces six years

A young man accused of steering a migrant boat to Formentera faces six years in prison after 17 people were left drifting when it ran out of fuel. The First Section of the Balearic Islands Provincial Court in Palma is due to hold a pre-trial hearing on Thursday at 12.45pm. Prosecutors say he committed an offence against the rights of foreign citizens.

The boat, known in Spain as a patera, set off from the coast of Tipassa in Algeria and reached Formentera on 20 April, according to the prosecution. The crossing lasted 18 hours.

Fuel ran out during the journey, leaving those aboard adrift until Spain's Maritime Rescue service, Salvamento Marítimo, brought them to safety. Two passengers told prosecutors they had each paid about €3,700 for the crossing, though the prosecution does not say who received the money.

The accused is alleged to have directed and steered the vessel and refuelled it during the journey. Prosecutors are seeking a six-year jail sentence.

Topics: Court cases · Sea rescue · Migration · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com