A man has been arrested in Fuerteventura after allegedly captaining a boat carrying 20 migrants from Morocco to the Canary Islands in dangerous conditions.

Officers from the National Police arrested the suspect in Puerto del Rosario on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration while seriously endangering the lives of those on board. He has since been remanded in custody.

The investigation began after the vessel reached Fuerteventura on 24th July carrying 19 adults and one unaccompanied child.

The fishing boat, which was approximately 25 metres long, was towed by the Spanish maritime rescue service to the port of Gran Tarajal.

Police interviewed a number of people as part of the investigation, including three protected witnesses, and carried out photographic identification procedures. Officers subsequently identified the man they believe captained the vessel throughout the crossing.

Investigators allege that he operated the boat alone from its departure in Morocco until it reached Fuerteventura, despite not having the required maritime qualifications.

One witness told police that the suspect had personally collected payment for the journey from some of those on board. The amount was reportedly around €2,700 per person.

Police said the vessel lacked basic safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency lighting. There was also no food or drinking water on board, while passengers had reportedly received no basic maritime safety instructions.

These conditions, combined with rough seas during the crossing, are said to have seriously affected the stability of the boat and placed the lives of those on board at serious risk.

The suspected captain was arrested on 26th July. Police said Moroccan currency matching the description given by one of the protected witnesses was found in his possession.

The man was brought before the relevant judicial authority, which ordered that he be remanded in custody while proceedings continue.