Two small boats have reached the coast of Alicante in recent days carrying a total of 49 migrants of different nationalities, including ten minors. The National Police have arrested three men accused of facilitating irregular immigration and belonging to a criminal organisation.

The first boat was located on Sunday around 25 miles from the island of Tabarca. On board were 20 Algerian nationals, including five children and three women. They were transferred to the port of Alicante by the Guardia Civil’s Maritime Service. One man identified as the skipper has since been remanded in custody.

The second vessel was rescued on Tuesday morning about 50 miles from Alicante by the Salvamar Leo. The 29 people on board were from sub-Saharan countries including Mali and Niger. Among them were five minors, two of them unaccompanied, and three women.

Several of those rescued required medical assistance after arriving at the port. Officials believe they had spent five or six days at sea, and some had drunk salt water. Two Nigerien nationals have been arrested in connection with organising the second crossing.