Two under-16 migrant girls allegedly raped on boat to Europe; Ibiza hospital treats victims as rescue operations continue

Two girls under 16 were allegedly raped by men on a migrant boat as it sailed toward Europe, authorities said. The victims were transported to Can Misses Hospital in Ibiza, where they are undergoing treatment and medical testing. Police confirmed the girls are minors, and hospital staff activated the protocol for cases of sexual violence, mobilising a seven-officer security detail in addition to the on-duty gynecologist. The investigation remains open as officers seek to clarify the facts and identify those responsible.

Maritime Rescue services reported a series of recent arrivals in the area. On Friday afternoon, rescuers intercepted a total of 29 migrants, all described as being of sub-Saharan origin, after the boat they were traveling aboard was detected about 43 miles south of Formentera. It marked the second rescue operation in the area within hours, following a separate interception a few hours earlier on Thursday night, when another boat carrying 16 people was stopped 12 miles south of Formentera at about 9:20 p.m.

The day’s events come amid broader, recurring concerns about safety along migratory routes into Europe. In recent days, reports have surfaced about serious abuses of sub-Saharan migrants during sea crossings, including claims that at least 50 individuals were harmed or killed after being subjected to abuse by others on board, with some accounts describing killings and torture when migrants complained about conditions. Authorities have urged caution in assessing such claims, but they form part of a pattern cited by officials in related regional coverage.

In the Balearic Islands, the migrant influx continues to stress local reception capacity. This year, 126 boats carrying 2,094 migrants have arrived in Ibiza and Formentera, with 1,829 people arriving in Formentera from 108 boats and 265 migrants reaching Ibiza on 18 boats. The Balearic government has faced repeated friction with Madrid over how many unaccompanied minors to accept and provide for, arguing the archipelago’s resources are overwhelmed.

The end of 2024 also saw a high-profile case in which an Algerian woman reported to the Civil Guard that she had been raped by the skipper of a boat bound for Formentera. A judge ordered the alleged aggressor and another occupant of the vessel held in detention without bail; one was accused of raping the young minor, while the other faced an omission-of-duty-to-help charge. While authorities emphasized that each case is investigated on its own merits, the incidents have underscored concerns about safety and protection for migrants traveling to the Balearics.

The Balearic Islands have been pressing Madrid to relax a mixed reception approach and to provide more robust support systems for unaccompanied minors. The regional government says it cannot sustain the current rate of arrivals and has announced it will oppose a central government plan to transfer two immigrant minors from the Canary Islands to the Balearics under decree 2/2025 and related regulations. The Islands’ leadership asked for more time, planning and resources, arguing that the ordinary capacity for minors—set by national policy at 406—does not reflect on-the-ground needs. Balearic authorities say they are facing a saturation of facilities, with more than 700 minors in care and the system strained beyond its official capacity. A meeting between Balearic officials and the national government is scheduled for October 6 to address the situation and possible allocations.

Antoni Costa, the Balearic Islands’ first vice-president, said in a briefing that the directive comes at a critical moment, when migrant arrivals are rising. He warned that if the measures fail to receive approval, the issue could be challenged in the courts. Costa described the situation as unprecedented and said the islands would pursue all legal avenues to defend their interests while stressing the need for equitable, territorial support from Madrid. He also noted the ongoing burden on local services and highlighted that the region has already seen a rapid increase in minors in care, calling for a more transparent distribution of responsibilities across communities.

As authorities continue to monitor shipboard conditions and the welfare of migrants arriving on small boats, the situation in the Balearic Islands remains tense. Officials stressed that investigations into sexual violence and other crimes on these routes will proceed on a case-by-case basis, with cooperation among local police, national authorities, and international partners. The overarching objective remains safeguarding vulnerable people who undertake perilous journeys while maintaining orderly, humane reception systems that respect legal obligations and the rights of all involved.