Seventeen people were rescued from a small boat approximately two miles east of Formentera on Saturday afternoon, according to Spain's Government Delegation in the Balearic Islands.
The rescue took place at around 4:40pm on August 29, after the vessel was located in waters close to the island. The people on board were reported to be of Maghreb origin.
Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue Take Part
The operation involved the Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil and Salvamento Marítimo (Maritime Rescue), who responded to the small boat and brought the 17 people to safety.
The incident took place approximately two nautical miles from Formentera's eastern coastline.
No further details about the individuals' condition were provided in the initial reports.
More Arrivals Around Formentera
The rescue came as several other small boats were being intercepted or located around Formentera over the weekend.
On Sunday, authorities reported two further groups of people arriving on the island. 15 people of Maghreb origin were intercepted in the s'Estufador area, while another 12 were located near the Torrent de s'Algar.
Additional interventions took place later on Sunday, with authorities reporting further groups both at sea and on the island.
According to information reported by La Voz de Ibiza, 106 people had been rescued or intercepted in seven separate operations around Formentera between Saturday and Monday morning, including 95 people of Maghreb origin and 11 of sub-Saharan origin.
A Continuing Issue in the Balearic Islands
The latest rescue is part of a wider pattern of small-boat arrivals in the Balearic Islands during 2026.
Authorities and rescue services have carried out numerous operations around Formentera and Ibiza throughout the year, with the smaller Pitiusa island becoming a frequent arrival point because of its position in the western Mediterranean.
The latest incident once again highlights the work carried out by Salvamento Marítimo and the Guardia Civil, who are responsible for responding to vessels in distress and carrying out maritime rescue and interception operations.
Formentera remains one of the Balearic Islands' busiest summer destinations, but its location also places it along a maritime route used by people attempting to reach Spain from North Africa.
The 17 people rescued on Saturday were brought safely ashore following the operation.
