Spanish police reveal they may never identify five shackled bodies washed up on beach - as four arrests made
24 June 2025, 14:41 | Updated: 24 June 2025, 15:33
Spanish authorities have warned the identification of multiple bodies washing up across the Balearic Islands is likely "impossible".
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This month, five corpses with their hands and feet shackled were found floating in the sea, sparking a police investigation.
They are pursuing murder as a line of enquiry and believe the bodies belonged to migrants who were killed after an altercation with their handlers.
Four boat skippers linked to people smuggling rings have since been arrested.
All four individuals appeared in a Spanish court and have been remanded in custody with the exception of a minor detained on June 16.
The minor's case is currently being handled by the Prosecutor's Office for Minors, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.
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However, the Civil Guard's investigation is proving "near impossible" due to the abuse suffered by the migrants travelling the dangerous route from Algeria to Spain by boat.
Their lack of documentation is also impeding identification, Diaria de Mallorca reports.
The president of the Balearics, Marga Prohens, said the government is "very concerned and shocked" by the discovery of bodies.
"This is the cruellest aspect of something we have been denouncing for some time. The images and the news chill us all. Mafias take advantage of these humanitarian dramas," Ms Prohens said.
It comes after the Balearic Government Delegation said that 31 bodies had been recovered from the beaches and seas in the Balearic Islands between January and June this year.
At least four of the bodies were discovered on the coast of Formentera.
Last year, Spain announced a three year plan to grant work permits and residency to 300,000 undocumented migrants.
Migration minister Elma Saiz said around 250,000 registered foreign worker were necessary to fund Spain's welfare system.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also said the migration policy would help Spain's declining birthrate.
In 2024, around 54,000 undocumented migrants reached Spain by sea or land, according to the country's Interior Ministry.
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