An investigation is underway following the deaths of approximately 70 migrants in what has been described as brutal 'sea executions' while attempting to reach the Canary Islands. Reports indicate that some victims were murdered, with their bodies discarded into the Atlantic Ocean. Survivors have recounted that the violence erupted after the boat encountered engine problems and became overloaded.

Spanish news outlet Okdiario has reported that between 20 and 30 migrants are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the killings. These individuals are currently located in refugee centres. Allegations suggest that the victims were accused of stealing water, and as supplies dwindled, they were further accused of witchcraft.

Detectives are reportedly close to making initial arrests related to the incidents that occurred on the vessel, which was adrift for over a week before being rescued by Spanish coastguards. Police have not yet commented on these reports, nor on claims from the Spanish news agency EFE, which cited witness statements indicating that "some murders" took place on board.

Survivors have also informed investigators that several migrants succumbed to thirst and hunger, while others reportedly jumped overboard in a state of delirium caused by dehydration. It remains unclear whether any women or children were among the deceased.

On August 25, Spanish coastguards rescued around 250 individuals from the distressed boat, located west of Dakhla in the disputed Western Sahara territory, approximately 265 miles from the Canary Islands. Survivors stated that around 320 people had embarked on the perilous journey before encountering difficulties at sea.

This incident follows a previous investigation launched by Spanish police in June, after the bodies of five migrants were discovered in the sea off the Balearic Islands, bound at the hands and feet. Initial theories suggested they may have been murdered and thrown overboard. Families of the deceased, all Somali nationals, later revealed that the men had been shackled in a death ritual after dying from starvation during their attempt to reach Europe.

The boat had been rescued on May 8, 62 miles from Alicante, with 16 male survivors suffering from dehydration and other health issues. They had embarked from Algeria two weeks prior, facing dire conditions that forced them to subsist on just one date a day and drink their own urine. Reports indicated that some of the deceased had resorted to drinking seawater in a desperate attempt to survive. Red Cross officials noted that one rescued individual had even consumed toothpaste, as it was the only sustenance available to him.