A Moroccan citizen, considered part of an international criminal organization involved in migrant smuggling, has been arrested and subsequently remanded in custody. He is accused of piloting an overloaded inflatable boat that transported 33 people from the coast of Casablanca to Spanish waters.

The vessel, barely eight meters long, far exceeded its capacity, designed for 12 to 18 occupants. During the journey, which lasted nearly three days, the migrants had to constantly bail out water using cut plastic bottles to prevent sinking, in addition to suffering from a lack of provisions and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

The situation became critical when the inflatable's engine broke down, leaving the boat adrift. A merchant ship detected their precarious situation and alerted Salvamento Marítimo (Maritime Rescue), which proceeded to rescue the occupants. The alleged captain attempted to conceal his role by posing as one of the rescued migrants.

The police investigation, conducted by the Unit Against Illegal Immigration Networks and Document Fraud (UCRIF) of the Algeciras Police Station, has determined the lucrative nature of these activities for criminal networks. The detainee has been jailed by order of the Instruction Section of the Court of Instance of Algeciras, while the investigation continues to identify other members of the organization.