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Date Published: 20/07/2021
ARCHIVED - Boat carrying 15 illegal immigrants intercepted in Cartagena
Authorities have reported that all of the passengers were male, apparently of Algerian origin, and are all in good health
The Salvamar Caliope patrol boat run by the national Maritime Rescue crew intercepted a ‘patera’ carrying 15 illegal immigrants off the coast of Cartagena on Monday, July 19. The small vessel was spotted at 11:40 in the morning about 47 miles off the coast.
According to the Government Delegation, the passengers were allegedly travelling from Algeria to the Region of Murcia and all appeared to be in good health. They arrived at the Escombreras-Cartagena dock at around 3.15pm, where they were escorted by the National Police to a temporary camp managed by the Red Cross on the southwest dock. From here they will be transferred to a migrant centre where the Spanish authorities will attempt to establish their country of origin in order to deport them.
Not traditionally a favoured destination for human trafficking, in recent years the Region of Murcia has experienced a surge in illegal immigrants, the majority of whom arrive from Algeria via illegal gangs, often paying €2,500 for their passage. If the National Police in Spain can’t verify their identities, they have no choice other than to release them, but the immigrants cannot then legally work in this country, meaning that they are vulnerable to further exploitation.
Due to the influx of immigrants, work has begun to build a new migrant centre in Cartagena between the Muelle del Carbón and the Espalmador beach to replace the current temporary structures. However, this work, costing an estimated €3.8million, has been met with serious opposition by residents, and the Cartagena council confirmed earlier this month that this centre too would not be permanent. Civilians and officials alike have questioned the proposed location of the new camp, situated close to a military base and the Navantia shipping yards which are currently building S-80 submarines for the Navy.
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