Date Published: 20/08/2024
Stolen Murcia boat used to traffic illegal migrants to AndalucÃa
The valuable boat was robbed from Cabo de Palos before turning up in Almeria
Several hours after a large speed boat was reported missing in the port of Cabo de Palos, the Guardia Civil recovered it all the way down in Almeria, with 16 illegal migrants on board.
The theft of this particular boat, equipped with a powerful motor, is indicative of a growing trend, according to investigators. These vessels are often targeted due to their speed and agility, making them ideal for crimes related to immigration and narcotics. They are used to transport drugs, supply fuel to other boats, and, as in this case, smuggle migrants.
The boat was stolen from the ‘Drivers’ diving centre and it will now need to undergo extensive repairs. Despite the fact that the dinghy was in perfect working order, for some unknown reason, the thieves stripped off both the gearbox and engine covers.
This incident is not isolated, as the Cartagena coast, particularly Cabo de Palos, has experienced a string of similar crimes this summer. Another diving centre, ‘Naranjito’, narrowly escaped a robbery attempt, but their boat was also badly damaged.
The Association of Diving Centres of the Region (ACBRM) has raised concerns about the lack of security in regional ports, with ten attempted robberies reported in the last 15 days. Dionisio García, the association's coordinator, highlighted the economic impact of these crimes, with businesses facing significant losses.
For its part, the Costa Cálida Nautical Station, a non-profit association that brings together companies offering nautical activities in the Region of Murcia, has also voiced its worries due to the recent wave of robberies. It states that these incidents, recorded recently in La Manga, Cabo de Palos, La Azohía and San Pedro del Pinatar, put the viability of these small tourist companies at risk.
"During these weeks, when most of the demand for nautical services is concentrated, these thefts can mean the loss of a large part of annual income, putting the continuity of business at risk," explains David Caro, president of the Costa Cálida Nautical Station.
In other news: Amazon founder shows off his new superyacht in Cartagena
Image: @SaraHispania
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