The courtroom’s conclusion was that “this was not a easy clandestine switch of individuals from Africa”. “The crossing was made at evening, in a ship that lacked lighting and security components. It was overcrowded with immigrants (fifteen) and there have been gasoline drums able that might have exploded or caught fireplace.” The threat to the lives of the migrants was “apparent”.

The 37-year-old was arrested on June 8 by the Guardia Civil after the radar system detected the boat close to Cabrera. That day one other 4 boats arrived. In Palma, the Nationwide Police immigration unit questioned the migrants. One was made a protected witness. He’ll be capable of ‘regularise’ his scenario in Spain in change for the details about the skipper, which was corroborated by photographs of the journey. In these, he was at all times seen on the helm. One other man was guiding the boat with a GPS. He’s needed by the police.

The police and the Prosecutor’s Workplace have intensified felony prosecution of those skippers. Round thirty have been arrested in latest months. There have been completely different outcomes. Two have been acquitted due to doubts about witness proof. In one other case, a four-year sentence was handed down. On Friday, two others can be tried.