Cabildo Calls for Urgent Activation of SIVE Amid Increase in Migrant Arrivals

The President of the Lanzarote Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, has expressed serious concern over the recent rise in migrant arrivals by sea, warning that the island’s resources are under increasing pressure.

Betancort said Lanzarote has consistently demonstrated its humanitarian commitment but argued that the continued arrival of migrant boats cannot become “the new normal” without stronger preventive measures from the Spanish Government. He described the Atlantic migration route as a humanitarian tragedy, noting that hundreds of people continue to risk their lives attempting the dangerous crossing in overcrowded and unsafe vessels.

His comments follow a busy night of rescue operations in the early hours of Wednesday, when Maritime Rescue coordinated the interception of three migrant boats carrying a total of 148 people.

Two of the vessels were intercepted at sea, with rescue teams transporting those on board to Arrecife, where they received medical attention after arriving in poor physical condition due to exhaustion. Authorities noted that one of the boats, a rubber dinghy carrying 122 people, is believed to be the largest of its kind ever to reach Lanzarote, highlighting the growing risks associated with these crossings.

A third boat reached the coast near Arrieta, in the municipality of Haría, at around 3 a.m. It was carrying 28 people, including three women and one minor.

Marci Acuña, the Cabildo’s for Social Welfare and Inclusion, renewed calls for the Spanish Government to fully activate the Integrated External Surveillance System (SIVE) on Lanzarote. She said the Cabildo has repeatedly requested the system be brought into full operation, arguing that it is essential for the early detection of migrant vessels, improving rescue coordination, and helping to prevent further loss of life at sea.

The Cabildo said protecting human life and fundamental rights must remain the highest priority and called on the Spanish Government to strengthen its response through improved coordination, increased funding, additional resources, and enhanced maritime surveillance to ensure the Canary Islands are not left to manage the situation alone.