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Date Published: 27/04/2022

ARCHIVED - Fewer migrants arriving in small boats to Murcia

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Even as illegal migration journeys drop, sea rescue services have acquired a new boat to save shipwrecked passengers but the migrant assistance centre is still not ready

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Fewer migrants arriving in small boats to Murcia

In the first four months of this year, just over 300 migrants have crossed illegally into Murcia from the north African coast seeking refuge. This is less than a tenth of the figures recorded in the first four months of 2021, when there were around 4,000 people making the dangerous crossing in small boats, or ‘pateras’.

According to the director of Maritime Rescue, José Luis García Lena, these are “very scarce figures, practically testimonial”, which he announced during the presentation of a new rescue boat to prevent migrants drowning at sea.

Last month, in March, not a single patera landed on the Murcia coast, while in April there were only five: two at the beginning of the month, with 32 Algerian migrants on board, located when they tried to reach the coast of the Region through Cartagena and Águilas; and another three last week, with 11, 13 and six people on board, respectively. The rest arrived in January and February.

Mr García Lena put the low figures recently down to the particularly rough seas during the recent stormy weather. “Although the situation is currently calm,” he said, “things may change from now on due to the good weather.”

That’s why the Rescue service is adding a new boat to its fleet, so it can deal with the expected surge in illegal crossings which, as they are made in small boats often unfit for the purpose and captained by inexpert human traffickers, often end in disaster and drowning.

In a horrendous incident just this week, a migrant boat carrying 61 people sank off the Canary Islands, leaving 24 people missing and one dead.

“In Maritime Rescue we are prepared for whatever may happen, not only in terms of immigration, but also with regard to merchant ships, fishing vessels and recreational boating, which is where Maritime Rescue is most involved.”

Delays in opening migrant processing centre

The migrants rescued by Marine Rescue are held at the Escombreras dock in Cartagena, although there have long been plans to open a temporary reception centre. For the moment, however, there is still no set date for the opening of the centre.

Government delegate, José Vélez, said that “all the administrations are working together to determine a definitive location”.

“Certain details of the work are still being worked out. Everything must also be ready for the National Police to be able to work in perfect conditions,” he said.

Images: Salvamento Marítimo