Seventeen migrants die during sea crossing from Algeria to Spain, two survivors rescued

Only two survivors were rescued off the coast of the Balearic Islands. The 19 migrants departed from the Algerian coast, but their vessel encountered severe difficulties. Deprived of food and water, 17 passengers succumbed during the journey.

The two North African survivors were found by a ferry crew approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Mallorca and were suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. They were transferred to Son Espases Hospital in Mallorca. According to the survivors, the bodies of the 17 victims were thrown overboard.

Spanish maritime rescue services deployed a helicopter to search the area. The Spanish National Police have opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the deaths and verify the survivors' accounts. This incident highlights the dangers of the maritime route between Algeria and the Balearic Islands, which is frequently used for irregular migration.

The NGO Caminando Fronteras reported that 507 migrants died or went missing on this route between January and May 2026, a 54% increase compared to 2025.