14 migrants reach Formentera as boat grounds

A fishing boat lies stranded a few metres from Migjorn beach on Formentera after 14 adult Algerian men came ashore. National Police arrested the suspected skipper on 17 September. Officers had found the 14 men on the island at about 20.15 on 16 September and took them to the police station for medical and security checks; police said they were all in good health.

Europa Press

Boat left Algeria with 15 aboard

Police say the vessel left Algeria on 15 September carrying 15 people, each of whom had paid for the crossing. Investigators established that the group had travelled in the fishing boat rather than a conventional patera, a small migrant boat.

The men told officers that the skipper planned to put them ashore on Formentera and return straight to Algeria. Police said the arrangement was intended to allow the boat to be used again for further crossings.

Engine fault leaves boat on the beach

Instead, the boat was later found empty and grounded close to the shore at Migjorn beach. Initial checks indicate that an engine fault may have stopped the return journey.

Hours later, another man told officers he had recently arrived by patera. Further inquiries identified him as the fishing boat's skipper, police said.

He was arrested on suspicion of offences against foreign citizens' rights and facilitating illegal immigration. The investigation remains open.

14 migrants reach Formentera as fishing boat grounds

Boat left Algeria with 15 aboard

Engine fault leaves boat on the beach