Death ‘taxi’ boats: New tactics for migrant smuggling networks toward the Murcian coast

A qualitative shift in irregular migration strategies toward the Spanish coast

Routes for irregular migration departing from Algeria toward the Spanish coast are seeing a striking change in the methods used by smuggling networks, which now employ high-speed “taxi boats,” vessels with logistics capabilities comparable to those used in international drug trafficking. This development has altered the map of arrivals, with a notable increase in the flow of boats toward the coast of the Murcia region.

“Taxi boats”: The smugglers’ new weapon

Smuggling networks currently rely on speedboats equipped with engines that can reach a total output of over 1200 horsepower, giving them extreme speed and the ability to cover the distance between the Algerian and Spanish coasts in record time. These boats can transport between 30 and 60 migrants per trip, landing them rapidly on beaches, as recently happened on the beach of “Cala del Barco” in Cartagena, which saw 61 people arrive in full view of vacationers before the boat fled.

Record increase in migrant numbers overwhelms authorities

Official statistics reveal the scale of the challenge posed by this phenomenon; the number of migrants intercepted in the Murcia region from the beginning of the year through the end of July has crossed the 2000-migrant mark, double the figure recorded during the same period last year, which did not exceed 1000 people. This escalation has put temporary care centers for foreigners on high alert, sparking concerns among police unions and the Civil Guard regarding limited capacity.

Changing routes: Evading surveillance toward Murcia

Observers believe this shift toward Murcia is not random, but a direct result of tightened security surveillance on the coasts adjacent to Almería. Faced with this security pressure, migration networks have found safer alternative routes in Murcia and the Balearic Islands for their operations. Spanish security agencies are now demanding the strengthening of human resources and logistical means, as well as an increase in maritime patrols to curb the growth of these journeys that threaten the security and stability of their coasts.