Dozens of African migrants en route to Spain were killed by fellow passengers on board a vessel after being accused of witchcraft, Spanish outlet OkDiario reports. The boat departed from West Africa with 320 people, but only 250 reached the Canary Islands.
According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish coast guard rescued 251 passengers about 400 kilometers from the Canaries after the vessel issued a distress call. Survivors said the vessel encountered problems and was stranded at sea for 15 days, during which people on board suffered from a lack of food and water.
Amid the crisis, 20-30 young passengers reportedly conspired to kill dozens of fellow travelers. They first accused some of petty theft or overconsuming water. Later, the perpetrators accused their victims of witchcraft and cold-bloodedly killed them.
According to witnesses, some people were shot, while others were thrown overboard alive. Approximately 72 migrants were killed in total.
Spain’s National Police have launched a homicide investigation. Between 20 and 30 suspects are currently held in refugee centers across the Canary Islands. Police arrested several individuals on September 2 and are continuing the investigation to clarify all circumstances.
Photo: OkDiario
