A man of Algerian nationality has been arrested in Ibiza after National Police investigators identified him as the alleged skipper of a fishing boat used to transport migrants from Algeria to Formentera.

The investigation began after 14 adult Algerian men were located on Formentera on the evening of September 16. Police later determined that they had not travelled in a conventional migrant boat, but had instead crossed from Algeria aboard a fishing vessel.

The alleged skipper was arrested on September 17 and is being investigated for an alleged offence against the rights of foreign citizens and an alleged offence of facilitating irregular immigration. The investigation remains open.

14 migrants found on Formentera

The 14 men were located at around 8:15pm on September 16. Police said they were all in good health and were taken to National Police facilities for the corresponding medical and security screening.

During interviews conducted by the UCRIF, the National Police unit responsible for investigating illegal immigration networks and document fraud, officers began reconstructing the circumstances of their journey.

The men reportedly told investigators that they had travelled from Algeria aboard a fishing boat rather than a conventional patera.

The boat was intended to return to Algeria

According to the police investigation, the vessel had left Algeria on September 15 with 15 people aboard in total.

The plan was reportedly for the passengers to disembark on the coast of Formentera before the skipper returned to Algeria. Investigators believe the same vessel was intended to be reused for further journeys.

The boat was subsequently found just metres from the shore at Migjorn beach, grounded and without anyone aboard.

A preliminary inspection indicated that the vessel had apparently been abandoned following a mechanical failure affecting its engine.

The alleged skipper was initially separate from the group

The investigation took an additional turn when another man, separate from the 14 people already located, told officers that he had arrived on the island by patera shortly afterwards.

Investigators later determined that this man was allegedly the skipper of the fishing boat.

According to the police account, he had remained behind after the other passengers disembarked and had intended to return to Algeria, but the vessel's apparent engine failure prevented that plan.

Police subsequently arrested him in Ibiza on September 17.

Alleged offences under investigation

The arrested man is being investigated for an alleged offence against the rights of foreign citizens and an alleged offence of facilitating irregular immigration.

These are allegations at this stage. The arrest does not establish criminal guilt, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police are continuing their enquiries into the circumstances of the journey and whether other people may have been involved.

A different type of crossing to Formentera

The case differs from the more common arrivals involving small migrant boats.

According to investigators, a fishing vessel was used for the journey from Algeria, with the intention of carrying passengers to Formentera and then returning to Algeria for another trip.

Police believe this type of operation could allow the same vessel to be reused for successive crossings.

The investigation is continuing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the journey and identify any other potential participants.