‘At least’ 50 migrants ‘tortured shot and murdered’ then thrown into the sea

Police detectives have started an investigation as “at least” 50 migrants have been tortured shot, murdered and thrown into the sea after they were accused of witchcraft.

The boat was carrying around 300 people and bound for Europe and the migrants were beaten and shot according to witnesses.

Smugglers allegedly committed the horrific offences after the boat suffered engine problems and they began to run out of food.

On 17 September Spanish police arrested 17 men, one is Gambian and 16 Senegalese remain in custody.

On 25 August the migrants came ashore at Arguineguin in Gran Canaria and the boat was rescued off the West African city of Dakhla, Western Sahara.

A spokesman for Spain’s National Police in Gran Canaria said, “National Police officers have arrested 19 people on suspicion of murders and torture on board a cayuco rescued on August 24.

“The vessel was adrift in waters off Gran Canaria and 248 migrants were in it, although one subsequently died in hospital.

“Several migrants who were travelling in it spoke of murders, wounding and torture committed during the crossing. The disappearance of at least 50 people thrown into the sea by the alleged people smugglers is also being investigated.

“All of those held, who were travelling in the same boat, have been remanded in custody after appearing in court.”

The police force added, “The investigation points to the vessel having left Senegal initially with around 300 people on board, with the estimated disappearance of at least 50 migrants during the 11 days the journey apparently lasted.

“The boat, made of wood and around 65ft long, was located adrift by Spanish Coastguard vessel Guardamar Urania, which took the 248 occupants to Argenenguin. According to statements taken from witnesses, several of the migrants arrested not only piloted the cayuco, but also assaulted dozens of people, hitting them and mistreating them in several ways.

“In some cases they threw migrants while they were still alive overboard into the ocean as well as refusing to help those who accidentally fell into the water.

“The witnesses point to the disappearance of around 30 people thrown overboard, although investigators calculate more than 50 people died or disappeared on the basis that the cayuco left Senegal with around 300 people on board.

“The causes of these deaths, according to the witness testimony gathered, is that they are allegedly related to superstitions that identified as ‘witches’ certain people on the boat when incidents occurred during the crossing, such as engine failures, lack of food or bad weather.

“Likewise homicides have been documented for the simple reason that some people protested or showed their inconformity with the travel conditions. The 19 suspects identified are being investigated on suspicion of people trafficking, homicide, wounding and torture.”