In a significant operation highlighting the persisting migration crisis in the region, a luxury cruise ship, the Insignia, has saved 68 migrants found drifting near Spain’s Canary Islands. The ship, run by Oceania Cruises, rerouted to rescue the stranded individuals after the bulk carrier Philipp Oldendorff spotted their small boat.
The Oldendorff initially identified the vessel in distress on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, around 506 miles south of Tenerife. The crew extended immediate help before the Insignia arrived to carry out the rescue. Spain’s maritime rescue agency, Salvamento Maritimo, reported that the Insignia successfully rescued all 68 migrants on board despite adverse weather conditions.
Oceania Cruises confirmed in a media statement, “We can confirm that Insignia rescued 68 people from a vessel in distress between Cape Verde and Tenerife and [brought] them onboard for medical assistance and provided food, drinks, clothing, and a safe place to rest.” The cruise operator stressed the importance of maritime safety and the responsibility of seafarers to help those in danger.
Henry Tom, a passenger on the Insignia from Vancouver, Canada, related the incident: “It took a few hours to rescue those on the fishing boat,” mentioning that about five individuals had already died. The Insignia crew recovered three bodies, but adverse weather conditions prevented the recovery of the remaining two.
The rescued migrants, comprising 62 men, three women, and three minors, were all from sub-Saharan Africa. One migrant in critical condition died before an evacuation helicopter could arrive. According to passenger reports, the vessel transporting the migrants had been at sea for an estimated 20 to 30 days.
Steve Dilbeck from Huntington Beach, California shared his experience. “They were brought on board and placed in the Insignia Lounge,” he said. “The area has been closed off to passengers. They had them remove their clothes and put on jumpsuits. Then they asked passengers if they had shoes and clothes they could donate.”
Spain has experienced a significant rise in migrants arriving by sea this year. Government data reveals that as of June 15, 23,037 migrants had reached the country via the sea, a stark increase from 10,824 during the same time last year. Notably, the Canary Islands have become a key entry point for migrants attempting the risky Atlantic route from Africa to Europe.
Earlier this month, the maritime rescue agency saved 145 migrants from a boat near Tenerife. The agency has been directing vessels to manage the influx and offer assistance. However, despite increased efforts, the journey remains perilous. Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) reports that over 5,000 migrants have died attempting to reach Spain this year alone, with the Atlantic route being particularly lethal.
