Overview

• The migrant was spotted about 13 nautical miles south of Benalmádena by a family sailing to the Balearic Islands and brought aboard their yacht.
• Salvamento Marítimo met the family vessel at sea and transferred the man to Málaga port for handover to the Guardia Civil and the Red Cross.
• He attempted the crossing wearing only a wetsuit, a rubber ring and flippers, highlighting the prevalence of basic flotation devices among migrants.
• According to the International Organisation for Migration, 151 people have died so far this year on North Africa–Spain sea routes after 572 deaths in 2024.
• Civilian sailors and official rescue services regularly coordinate patrols along the Strait of Gibraltar and Alborán Sea during peak summer crossings.