Three Face Trial in Tenerife Over Fatal Migrant Journey
Three alleged boat captains are on trial in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, accused of facilitating illegal migration, negligent homicide after one migrant died, and causing injuries during a perilous six-day journey on an inadequate vessel.
A trial is set to begin at the Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife for three people. Prosecutors accuse them of helping people migrate illegally, claiming they were the captains of a small boat (cayuco) on which one person died.
Prosecutors are asking for 5 years in prison for facilitating illegal migration, 7 years for negligent homicide, and four months for injuries. They also want the defendants to pay €150,000 to the family of the person who died and just over €500 to one of those injured.
Prosecutors believe the three defendants agreed to transport 50 people, including six children, from the African coast. This was done at the request of the journey's organizers, after the defendants had collected money.
They used a flimsy boat with a 40-horsepower engine. Prosecutors say this boat was "absolutely inadequate" for a sea journey, as it had no safety or communication systems apart from a GPS device. This created "an obvious danger" for everyone on board.
The trip lasted about six days before they reached the islands. During this time, the three defendants allegedly took turns navigating, steering, and setting the course. They are also accused of using a knife to maintain order.
Prosecutors point out that there were no life jackets and the boat was not suitable for such a journey, leading to significant risks. Tragically, during the trip, one migrant died from multi-organ failure caused by dehydration.
Two other people had to be rushed to the hospital. One suffered from hypothermia, severe dehydration (leading to high sodium levels and muscle tissue breakdown), ulcers, and scars.
The other injured person was treated for constipation and released from the hospital the same day.