SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28 September (EUROPA PRESS) –
The canoe that sank during the early hours of the morning on El Hierro had been deprived of water and sustenance for two days, which forced its occupants to consume salt water. This dire situation resulted in heightened anxiety, contributing to panic during the rescue, ultimately leading to the vessel capsizing, causing the tragic loss of nine lives and leaving another 48 individuals unaccounted for.
This information was disclosed by the Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, who visited El Hierro and addressed the press alongside the president of the Cabildo, Alpidio Armas, and the chief of the Civil Guard in the Canary Islands.
Anselmo Pestana reported that the canoe departed from Nouadhibou (Mauritania) six days prior, and the 27 survivors, which included four minors, informed the emergency services upon reaching land that up to 90 individuals were on board. Currently, search efforts are ongoing by land, sea, and air for at least 48 missing persons.