Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for a 23-year-old Algerian man accused of helping to operate a small boat that transported 16 people from Algeria to Formentera in March 2026.

According to the prosecution's account, the vessel ran aground on the island's coast on 13 March after making the crossing from Algeria. The accused allegedly shared responsibility for steering and directing the boat with another person who has not been identified.

The man is accused of an offence against the rights of foreign citizens. The prosecution is seeking a six-year prison sentence, but the allegations have not been presented here as a conviction.

Small Boat Allegedly Used for the Crossing

The vessel was described as a speedboat measuring approximately six metres in length and equipped with a 150-horsepower engine. The 16 passengers aboard were reported to be of Algerian origin.

The prosecution argues that the boat was unsuitable for a journey from the Algerian coast to the Pitiusas with that number of people on board.

According to the accusation, the vessel lacked the necessary safety and rescue equipment and appropriate navigation assistance for a crossing of this nature. Prosecutors say the conditions created a serious risk of the boat sinking.

Questions Over Payments for the Journey

The prosecution's account also refers to statements from several passengers about money paid for the crossing.

The report describes a figure of 160 million Algerian dinars, equivalent to approximately €5,000. However, the available wording does not clearly establish whether that amount represented a combined payment or an individual payment by each passenger. It is therefore not possible to state confidently that every person aboard paid €5,000.

Accused Has Been in Provisional Detention Since March

The boat ran aground on Formentera on 13 March 2026. The accused was initially deprived of his liberty for two days and, according to the report, has remained in provisional detention since 16 March.

The prosecution considers the alleged conduct to constitute an offence against the rights of foreign citizens and is requesting six years in prison.

The requested sentence is the position of the prosecution, not a final judicial determination of guilt. The case concerns the alleged organisation and operation of the crossing, as well as the risks posed to those travelling aboard the vessel.