Balearic Islands migrant boat: 26 deported to Niger

A migrant boat bound for the Balearic Islands was intercepted by Algerian authorities and its 26 occupants were later deported to Niger, according to Alarm Phone. The organisation reported the case on Friday, 21 August, after relatives said the group had been taken ashore.

Alarm Phone said the boat had spent at least six days adrift before it was located. It is believed to have departed from Tipasa, Algeria, carrying 26 people.

The organisation had issued an alert about the missing vessel on the previous Sunday after relatives lost contact with those aboard. It notified the authorities and later said it suspected the passengers had been intercepted and detained.

According to Alarm Phone, relatives subsequently confirmed that Algerian authorities had intercepted the boat and that all 26 people were deported to Niger after reaching land. The organisation condemned the practice and called for migrants' freedom of movement to be respected.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com