Rescue launched after boat carrying 19 migrants found off Cabo de Palos

A vehicle transport ship remained alongside the drifting boat until Salvamento Marítimo arrived to carry out the rescue

Nineteen migrants have been rescued from a small boat found drifting around 12 miles off the coast of Cabo de Palos. The boat was first detected by SIVE, Spain's Integrated External Surveillance System, around 15 miles southeast of Cabo de Palos on Thursday afternoon, September 3.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Cartagena confirmed the sighting and found that a vehicle transport ship was already in the area. The ship remained close to the boat until the Salvamar Draco arrived. Salvamento Marítimo then rescued the 19 men and took them to the port of Cartagena.

Once they arrived at the port, they were attended to by the Red Cross before being handed over to the Policía Nacional. They were then taken to the CATE, where the necessary procedures will begin for their return.

The rescue was carried out after the small boat was found adrift several miles from the Murcia coastline. According to Salvamento Marítimo, the vehicle transport ship remained at the scene while the rescue operation was organised, helping to keep the drifting boat under observation until the Salvamar Draco could reach it.

The rescue comes as Spain continues to deal with irregular migration, with small boats still making the dangerous journey across the sea. People make these crossings for many different reasons, often hoping to find safety, stability or opportunities in Europe, despite the risks involved. The issue has been particularly visible in recent weeks, with boats arriving on Spanish beaches and a sharp increase in attempts to enter Ceuta from Morocco. 

The latest figures from the Ministry of the Interior show that irregular arrivals across Spain were down compared with 2025 overall, but arrivals by sea to the mainland increased by almost 20% between January and August. Ceuta has also faced an exceptional situation, with more than 70,000 people attempting to cross from Morocco in just two days at the end of July. The vast majority did not remain in the city, but the episode has placed considerable pressure on local services and remains a major issue there.

Image: SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO