Four Stowaways Found on Ship’s Rudder in Canary Islands Port

On October 26, four Nigerian stowaways were found on the rudder of the cargo vessel MSC Fiammetta when it docked at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. The men had endured a 2,000-nautical-mile journey over six days, but were reported to be in good health.

Dockworkers discovered the stowaways and immediately notified authorities. Spain’s Salvamento Maritimo deployed the patrol vessel Salvamar Nunki to assist with bringing the men ashore. 

After the men were taken in for processing, they revealed that they had boarded the vessel’s rudder while it was in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Despite the risks of their journey, a medical assessment confirmed that all four were in stable condition.

Spanish officials have initiated the repatriation process, a standard response to stowaway cases. However, in situations where return poses potential safety risks, individuals may seek asylum, depending on the specific circumstances.