A tragic accident occurred off the coast of La Restinga on El Hierro on Wednesday morning. At least five people, including a 5-year-old girl, have died, and a baby is still missing after a cayuco carrying approximately 180 migrants capsized just a few meters from the dock.
The incident took place around 9:30 AM when the boat, already very close to the pier, suddenly overturned. A spokesperson for the government delegation explained that all occupants had gathered at one end of the boat, leading to the fatal capsizing – witnessed by maritime rescue and Red Cross teams who were already on standby to assist.
In addition to the five recovered bodies – whose cause of death is still unclear, whether they drowned or had already died during the crossing – another person was admitted to the island hospital in very serious condition. According to health sources, this individual is also believed to be a minor.
Emergency services, including members of the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), the Red Cross of Tenerife, and even personnel from a diving club, were immediately on site to provide aid to those affected and continue the desperate search for the missing baby. An SUC air ambulance was also activated. Dramatic images from Canary Islands television showed live footage of the overturned boat next to a rescue boat, with rescuers jumping into the water without hesitation to save people and distribute life jackets.
