Rescue operation near the island El Hierro: almost 300 people were transported to ports
Salvamento Marítimo conducted an operation off the coast of El Hierro Island, assisting 286 people in three kaikou boats. All operations on the water were coordinated by a control center from the nearby Tenerife.
The first boat, carrying about 80 sub-Saharan migrants, was intercepted by a rescue boat just one mile from the port of La Restinga. Later, another on-call vessel found a second dinghy with 106 people, including two women and four children. They were also taken to the La Restinga berths.
The same rescue boat later escorted a third boat found, carrying over 100 passengers. The last group was successfully taken to another island port, La Estaca.
Context
El Hierro is the smallest and most south-western of the seven main islands of the Canary archipelago. Its maritime infrastructure is based on two key harbours: Puerto de la Estaca in the northeast serves as the main ferry and cargo hub connecting the island to Tenerife, while Puerto de la Restinga is the southernmost port not only of the archipelago, but of all of Spain.
The southern coast near La Restinga opens up to the Mar de las Calmas area, known for its underwater volcanic landscapes and marine reserve, which attracts divers with its clear water and rich biodiversity.