https://arab.news/r4fpf
- Guardia Civil speedboat runs over smaller boat at high speed, sending people flying into sea
- Morocco launches investigation as Spanish MPs demand explanation from Madrid
LONDON: Footage has emerged of a Spanish police patrol boat ramming a vessel thought to be carrying migrants, the Daily Telegraph reported.
In the video of the incident, which took place on Sunday, the Guardia Civil boat chases the speedboat, which was trying to reach the Spanish territory of Melilla in North Africa, before hitting and running over it at high speed, sending people flying into the sea.
The four people on the civilian boat were rescued, with one requiring hospital treatment in the Moroccan city of Nador.
Local authorities in Melilla claimed that the Guardia Civil had taken normal action when trying to prevent migrants illegally entering Spanish territory.
An investigation has been launched by Moroccan authorities, but the Spanish Interior Ministry said it would not be conducting one of its own.
The incident was, however, branded an “intolerable human disaster” by Aina Vidal, parliamentary spokesman for Sumar, the junior partner in Spain’s left-wing coalition government.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain’s interior minister, also faces calls from members of Sumar and other parties for an official explanation.
As well as Melilla, Spain possesses another territory on the North African coastline adjoining Morocco, called Cueta.
Moroccan authorities say the two areas are major staging points for migrants fleeing Africa for Europe, facilitated by Spain-based gangs.