Cruise ship arrives in Tenerife with 67 migrants and 6 bodies rescued from boat adrift
On Friday at approximately 5:30 a.m., the 'Insignia' cruise ship docked at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, bringing with it 67 rescued migrants and the bodies of six individuals who tragically did not survive the perilous journey along the Canary Islands route. The survivors, comprising 61 men, three women, and three minors, are all of sub-Saharan origin.
Upon arrival, the rescued individuals were immediately attended to by a comprehensive medical team. This team included personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Services (SUC), Primary Care, and volunteers from the Red Cross, with the support of the National Police and Civil Guard. Four tents were set up to assist the survivors on-site.
Five of the rescued migrants were quickly transferred to various healthcare facilities. One of these individuals, in grave condition, was taken to the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. The others were reported to be in moderate to mild condition.
The 'Insignia,' which was en route from Gambia to Tenerife, encountered the distressed canoe early Thursday morning around 12:30 a.m. Initially, the drifting canoe was spotted by the tanker 'Philipp Oldendorff,' located 440 miles south of Tenerife. The tanker provided initial aid to those aboard.
Responding to the situation, the 'Insignia' diverted its course and managed to rescue 68 people. Unfortunately, three additional bodies were recovered, and two deceased individuals could not be retrieved due to severe weather conditions.
The crew of the 'Insignia' reported that one of the rescued individuals was in critical condition and required urgent evacuation. A rescue helicopter, Helimer 201, was dispatched, but the patient tragically passed away before the evacuation could be completed.
The cruise ship's destination was Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where it arrived early Friday morning. Meanwhile, the Maritime Rescue Service dispatched the guard vessel 'Urania' to assist the 'Insignia' if necessary and later to locate the abandoned canoe, which was equipped with a reflector by the cruise ship.
Adverse weather conditions complicated the rescue operation, which was coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Center of Tenerife under the supervision of the Tenerife Maritime Captaincy.
In recognition of their humanitarian efforts, the Captain of the 'Insignia' will receive a plaque of appreciation from José Antonio Conde, the Maritime Captain of Tenerife, and María Dolores Septién, Head of the Maritime Rescue Center of Tenerife.
