The radars of the Integral Exterior Surveillance System in Lanzarote detected a signal on the high seas at approximately 00:45 this Monday, indicating the position of a small boat sailing about 5 miles from Puerto Naos (Arrecife).
The "Báltico" Patrol Boat of the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard went to their aid and at approximately 02:00 all its occupants were rescued, up to a total of 19 men of Maghrebi origin, 18 adults and a possible minor, according to data from the Red Cross, who once hoisted aboard the Patrol Boat were transferred to Arrecife where they received assistance from the Red Cross and were placed at the disposal of the National Police.
All the immigrants were generally in good health and the boat, a wooden boat of barely 6 meters in length and equipped with a single engine, was deposited in the same port area.
In the Civil Guard facilities, where they were transferred, they underwent a more thorough medical examination. One of the immigrants had to be transferred to the Valterra Health Center, at about 4:00 in the morning, to be treated for a wound on one of his feet.
Second boat in Órzola and an open investigation
The second boat arrived in the early hours of this Monday at Caleta del Mero, in Órzola. Fifteen of its occupants have already been arrested by the Civil Guard and the Local Police of Haría. However, the Civil Guard maintains an open investigation that is under secrecy of summary because, apparently, in addition to the immigrants, several bundles of drugs were traveling in the boat.
