Spain: Vessel diverts to Canary Islands Oct. 3 following mutiny among rescued migrants

Event

Offshore supply ship VOS PACE diverted to Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, on Oct. 3 after an apparent mutiny among rescued migrants aboard the vessel. Authorities reportedly arrested nine migrants on piracy charges upon the vessel's arrival in Puerto del Rosario. No injuries were immediately reported in connection with the incident.

Authorities may bolster maritime security measures off western Morocco and in the vicinity of the Canary Islands over the coming days. Consequent disruptions to shipping are likely to be negligible.

Context

VOS PACE rescued 78 migrants aboard two vessels in distress late Oct. 2 about 40 nautical miles (74 km, 46 miles) west of Akhfennir, Morocco, and within the Moroccan Search and Rescue Region (SRR). VOS PACE was instructed to disembark the migrants at Tan-Tan, Morocco, reportedly resulting in a number of migrants threatening the crew with knives and demanding they be disembarked in the Canary Islands.

Advice

Exercise caution and consider preparing security measures for accommodating rescued migrants if transiting known migration routes. Report all suspicious activity to relevant authorities.