A fishing expedition by a ten man crew aboard the Spanish trawler Francisco Catalina ended in financial disaster after the crew rescued 51 illegal immigrants whose boat had capsized off Malta, ThinkSpain.com reported.
The incident, which happened on July 15, led to a five-day debate between Malta and Spain on who should take in the illegal immigrants. Maltese authorities had denied permission to the Spanish trawler to bring the immigrants over to Malta although three of the illegal immigrants were brought to Malta for a brief while for medical treatment.
Following diplomatic efforts, the Spanish government agreed to take in most of the 51 illegal immigrants aboard the Francisco Catalina.
Meanwhile the fishing crew, although returning to a heroes’ welcome, only managed to land 1,500 kilos of shrimp and ended in financial disaster due to the five day-long rescue.
Fortunately, ThinkSpain.com reported that Juan Cotino, the regional Agriculture and Fisheries minister, promised the crew an immediate aid package of 50,000 euros.
See also:
Illegal immigrants disembark in Marsaxlokk
By MaltaMedia News - Jul 16, 2006, 10:04 CET
Spain to take in illegal immigrants
By MaltaMedia News - Jul 20, 2006, 09:57 CET
Malta’s illegal immigration stance praised
By MaltaMedia News - Aug 8, 2006, 09:59 CET
Read more about this issue on MaltaMedia's special feature:
Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra: Malta and its migrations.
