Guardia Civil vessel River Miño rescues 50 people at sea

ON August 16, the Guardia Civil maritime vessel River Miño, acting as part of Operation Indalo with the European Agency Frontex, was involved in the rescue of 50 ‘immigrants’ who were spotted in two flimsy boats in waters near the Almeria coast.

The first rescue occurred early in the afternoon when officers on the Guardia Civil vessel spotted an inflatable boat with six men apparently of Moroccan origin on board.

Later in the same general area they spotted a second slightly larger inflatable boat in which 44 people of sub-Saharan origin were travelling, including 10 women.

Both vessels were endangered by bad sea conditions and strong wind so the crew of the River Miño went to their immediate rescue, using dinghies to take them on board.

One of the rescued women had first and second degree burns on one leg and was treated by medics on board whilst the others were reported to be in apparent good health.

Following their rescue, the 50 people were transferred to a Maritime Rescue Service vessel for transfer to port.