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Alleged Smuggling Boat Skipper Jailed After Mallorca Rescue

The case highlights Spain’s push to target boat pilots tied to smuggling rings.

Overview

  • National Police arrested the suspected pilot and a judge ordered provisional prison on charges of aiding irregular immigration and criminal organization membership.
  • The small boat with 21 people was rescued near Cabrera after drifting for 32 hours when its GPS was thrown overboard.
  • Passengers told officers the skipper pulled a knife and threatened to burn the boat unless they paid more, and several overpowered and tied him.
  • Migrants reported paying €1,500 each to two Algerian brothers to arrange the trip, with one brother at the helm.
  • After the rescue, police took the group to the Son Tous reception center for care and interpreter-led interviews, and UCRIF investigators are pressing on with the case.