Overview

• Spanish authorities have ordered autopsies and DNA sampling as they investigate five bodies with hands and feet bound found near Mallorca.
• Since January, 31 additional bodies have washed up around the Balearic islands during a surge of nearly 3,000 migrants arriving on over 130 boats.
• Survivors and security officials report that smugglers extort migrants, subject them to beatings and force non-swimmers into the sea.
• Balearic President Marga Prohens is urging Spanish and European agencies to boost maritime surveillance and resources on the Algeria-to-Balearics route.
• Irregular migrant arrivals to Spain have fallen by about 30% in the first half of 2025, even as the Balearic crossing has surged.