"National Police officers have arrested 19 people on suspicion of murders and torture on board a cayuco rescued on August 24. The vessel was adrift in waters off Gran Canaria and 248 migrants were in it, although one subsequently died in hospital. Several migrants who were travelling in it spoke of murders, wounding and torture committed during the crossing. The disappearance of at least 50 people thrown into the sea by the alleged people smugglers is also being investigated."
"The investigation points to the vessel having left Senegal initially with around 300 people on board, with the estimated disappearance of at least 50 migrants during the 11 days the journey apparently lasted. The boat, made of wood and around 65ft long, was located adrift by Spanish Coastguard vessel Guardamar Urania, which took the 248 occupants to Argenenguin. According to statements taken from witnesses, several of the migrants arrested not only piloted the cayuco, but also assaulted dozens of people, hitting them and mistreating them."
A wooden cayuco about 65ft long left Senegal with around 300 people and drifted for about 11 days after engine problems. The vessel was located adrift off Gran Canaria and Spanish Coastguard Guardamar Urania took 248 occupants to Arguineguin; one later died in hospital. Witnesses reported that smugglers, short of food, beat, shot, tortured and murdered migrants and accused some of witchcraft, and at least 50 people are estimated to have been thrown into the sea. Nineteen people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and torture; 17 remain in custody, one Gambian and 16 Senegalese. All detainees were remanded after appearing in court.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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