A heartbreaking account has emerged surrounding the deaths of a Nigerian man and four Somalis whose bodies were discovered off the coast of Mallorca, Spain. Initially feared to be victims of foul play due to their bound hands and feet, their families have now clarified that the men died from starvation and dehydration after being stranded at sea for two weeks.
The group had departed from Algeria in a small boat, led by two Nigerian men, in a desperate attempt to reach the Spanish island of Mallorca and start new lives in Europe. Tragedy struck when the vessel’s engine failed on the second day, leaving them adrift in the Mediterranean without food or water.
The migrants resorted to surviving on a single date per day, and as their situation worsened, some were forced to drink seawater and their own urine—an ultimately fatal act.
Disturbing footage published by Diario de Ibiza captured the migrants waving orange sticks in a futile attempt to attract help from passing vessels. When rescued, survivors—aged between 15 and 27—were found to be severely dehydrated and suffering from infected wounds, according to Red Cross officials.
Five lives were lost during the perilous journey. The bodies, discovered off the island of Formentera from May 18 onwards, were wearing life vests and had their limbs bound, sparking initial suspicions of violence.
However, a survivor’s relative explained that the bindings were part of Islamic burial customs. In Somali tradition, deceased individuals are wrapped and their limbs tied as part of funeral rites. Lacking proper burial materials at sea, the survivors performed the rituals as best they could before releasing their companions into the ocean.
Autopsies later confirmed the deaths were due to metabolic failure caused by extreme hunger—specifically hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis, conditions linked to severe nutritional deprivation.
Of the two Nigerians who organized the voyage, one died during the ordeal. The other was arrested by Spain’s National Police and faces serious charges, including human trafficking, reckless homicide, bodily harm, and membership in a criminal organization.
