Spanish authorities have launched a search operation after two survivors were rescued from a small boat off the coast of Mallorca, reporting that 17 other passengers died during a harrowing 15-day journey at sea. The two survivors, both of North African origin, were found approximately 13 nautical miles southwest of the island early Tuesday morning. They were suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition and were immediately transported to the Son Espases University Hospital in Palma for urgent medical care.
The survivors told officials that their vessel had originally carried 19 people when it departed from Algeria. According to their testimony, the other 17 passengers passed away during the two-week ordeal, and their bodies were subsequently cast into the sea. While Spanish maritime rescue services have deployed a helicopter to scan the area and issued alerts to nearby vessels, officials noted that there is currently no independent confirmation of the deaths beyond the accounts provided by the two rescued men.
This tragedy highlights the increasing risks associated with the migration route from North Africa to the Balearic Islands, which has become a more frequent path for those attempting to reach European soil. The incident occurred as regional authorities reported a broader surge in arrivals, with four other boats carrying 88 people reaching the islands on Monday alone. In a separate incident on Tuesday, rescue teams also intercepted another boat with 15 migrants southwest of Ibiza.
Local officials have expressed deep concern over the rising death toll and the humanitarian challenges posed by these crossings. The regional government has called for a more coordinated response to manage the emergency, as the number of arrivals continues to strain local resources. As the investigation into the circumstances of the voyage continues, the focus remains on providing medical support to the survivors and maintaining search efforts in the Mediterranean waters.