Four more pateras intercepted off Lanzarote

Maritime Rescue vessels have had an “intense night” as four more pateras were intercepted, mainly in waters to the north-west of the island.

A total of 262 people were on the boats and have been taken to the CATE temporary reception centre art Puerto Naos in Arrecife, where they will be registered by police before being dispersed to larger centres elsewhere on the Canaries or on mainland Spain. Women and children will be attended to in separate facilities.

This week has seen a notable increase in arrivals, probably connected with the calm weather conditions at sea. September and October are usually the months when most pateras arrive to the Canaries.