A horrific journey across the Atlantic has ended in brutal violence and tragedy, casting a dark shadow over the perilous migrant route to the Canary Islands.
Spanish authorities are investigating a double murder aboard a crowded fishing boat after several passengers allegedly turned on two fellow travellers, accusing them of using witchcraft to cause the vessel's mechanical failures and poor conditions.
A Voyage Descends into Superstition and Violence
The boat, which had departed from Senegal, was several days into its arduous journey when the engine trouble began. According to police reports cited by Spanish media, a group of passengers allegedly blamed two men from the sub-Saharan region for the breakdowns, claiming they were practising 'black magic'.
This superstitious accusation quickly escalated into extreme violence. The two accused men, aged 16 and 27, were reportedly set upon by a group of assailants. In a frenzied attack, the 27-year-old was brutally stabbed to death.
In a further act of horrific brutality, the 16-year-old victim, who was severely injured, was thrown overboard into the open ocean along with the body of the murdered man. They were never seen again.
Landfall and Arrests
The boat, carrying over 60 people, eventually reached the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands on Friday. Upon arrival, several survivors immediately alerted emergency services to the horrific events that had transpired during the crossing.
Spanish Guardia Civil launched an immediate investigation, resulting in the arrest of four individuals suspected of direct involvement in the murders. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to untangle the grim sequence of events.
A Grim Reminder of Perilous Journeys
This incident highlights the extreme dangers and desperate conditions faced by migrants attempting to reach European shores via one of the world's most treacherous sea routes. The Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands is known for its strong currents and long distances, claiming countless lives.
This tragedy adds a new, chilling dimension to the risks involved—not just from the sea itself, but from the volatile and desperate human dynamics on overcrowded and failing vessels. It stands as a stark testament to the profound human cost of the migrant crisis.
