Migrant boat reaches Los Cristianos amid Storm Therese
A small migrant boat carrying 109 people arrived in Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, yesterday (Saturday), during treacherous sea and weather conditions caused by Storm Therese, with 101 men, eight women and one child on board, all believed to be of sub-Saharan origin.
Emergency services confirmed that the boat reached the port while the Canary Islands remain under weather alerts for adverse coastal conditions, including waves of up to four metres, strong winds and heavy rainfall. Despite the hazardous conditions, maritime rescue teams were able to safely escort the vessel into harbour.
Rescue Operation Coordinated at Sea
According to reports by Maritime Rescue, the operation began at 1:45pm, when emergency services received an alert of a possible migrant boat sighted south of Tenerife by a person on land.
Rescue coordinators deployed the vessel Salvamar Alpheratz, while the Guardia Civil confirmed the boat’s position using SIVE surveillance cameras and continued tracking its movement.
Once located, the rescue vessel escorted the cayuco to Los Cristianos port, where disembarkation was carried out with the support of emergency teams.
On arrival, emergency response teams were on hand to assess and assist those on board. No major incidents have been reported so far, although conditions at sea were described as challenging due to the ongoing storm.
Ongoing Risks at Sea
Authorities continue to warn of extremely dangerous maritime conditions around the islands, urging caution as Storm Therese maintains strong winds and rough seas across the region.
The arrival highlights the continued risks faced by migrants attempting the Atlantic crossing, particularly during severe weather events.
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