Migrants, on the day of the EU summit, 17 die on a boat to the Balearic Islands

Seventeen migrants died during a perilous sea journey toward the Balearic Islands after their boat drifted for 15 days, according to Spanish authorities. The tragedy occurred on the same day European Union interior ministers convened for a summit to discuss the recent migrant crisis in Ceuta, Spain’s northernmost territory on the African coast. Two survivors were rescued by the Spanish Maritime Rescue Service late last night near Majorca, both of North African origin, and taken to a hospital with severe dehydration and malnutrition. The vessel was discovered around 3 a.m. approximately 12.6 nautical miles southwest of Majorca by a patrol boat. It had been adrift for two weeks before being found. Both survivors were transported to the Son Espases Hospital in Palma de Mallorca. Following their statements, the maritime rescue service deployed a helicopter to search the area for additional survivors or bodies. A second operation took place early this morning at around 5:15 a.m., when another boat carrying 15 North African migrants was found about 30 nautical miles southeast of Ibiza and rescued. Meanwhile, migration attempts continued elsewhere in Europe. In France, a group of 157 migrants was saved in one of the largest rescues since 2018 after their boat caught fire while attempting to cross the English Channel. According to the French maritime prefecture responsible for the Strait of Dover and the North Sea, the vessel was heading toward England when its engine ignited. All rescued individuals were brought to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, and none sustained injuries. The boat had departed from French shores the previous evening. During the night, five people aboard required assistance, while others refused help from French coast guard vessels unless absolutely necessary. The statement noted that the migrants were determined to reach the United Kingdom and only accepted aid in extreme situations. However, the situation escalated when the engine caught fire, causing the structural integrity of the boat to rapidly deteriorate. The incident involving the 19 migrants who set sail from North Africa highlights the ongoing challenges faced by European countries dealing with irregular migration flows. The boat had left the North African coast and remained adrift for over two weeks before being located. This tragic event has added urgency to discussions among EU interior ministers, who met via videoconference following the recent migrant influx into Ceuta. During the summit, EU ministers discussed measures to strengthen return policies for undocumented migrants. However, Spain expressed opposition to establishing processing centers in third countries, emphasizing its stance against such arrangements. The country has been vocal about maintaining control over its borders and managing migration flows independently. The deaths of the 17 migrants have underscored the risks associated with dangerous sea crossings. Authorities continue to conduct searches for potential survivors or victims of the incident near Majorca. Meanwhile, efforts to prevent similar tragedies remain a pressing concern for European nations grappling with complex migration dynamics.