More than 1,200 people reached El Hierro in 48 hours as rescue teams responded to a fresh surge of boat arrivals.
Maritime Rescue recorded eight operations on Friday, when 843 people were brought to the island. A further 382 people arrived aboard five boats today, Saturday, taking the total across the two days to 1,225.
The latest report said another rescue was under way about 12 nautical miles from the coast. The figures could therefore increase.
El Hierro has received 81 boats so far in November, almost six a day. The latest arrivals brought the island’s total for 2026 to 147, compared with 66 between January and the end of October.
Among six boats that reached La Restinga from Friday night, 504 people were reported to include 38 women and 39 minors. The ages of 21 of the minors were still awaiting confirmation. Three people received medical attention, but none needed to be taken to hospital.
Before the latest arrivals, 317 people were staying at the island’s temporary reception centre. Another 158 had been transferred to Tenerife on a regular passenger ferry.
