A series of decomposing bodies found along the shores of the Balearic Islands has sparked concern over the dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea crossings to Spain.
Tourists and locals in the Balearic Islands, which include popular destinations such as Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, have expressed alarm following a series of grim discoveries along the beaches. Over the past six weeks, six decomposing bodies have been found washed ashore, many in a skeletal or unrecognisable condition. The finds have raised concerns about the plight of migrants attempting hazardous sea crossings to reach Spain.
On Monday, a body was discovered on the beach of Cala Mesquida in Capdepera, marking the latest in a string of fatalities. This body is believed to have originated from a boat carrying 27 Somali migrants that disappeared after departing from Algeria on February 2. Local reports indicate that the body showed advanced signs of decomposition and was found wearing a life jacket. On the same day, another decomposed body was located at Playa de Palma, adding to the unease surrounding the escalating situation.
The bodies are thought to belong to migrants who have undertaken perilous journeys across treacherous waters, often in overcrowded and inadequately equipped vessels known as “pateras.” Reports have detailed that, on certain days, hundreds of individuals have arrived in boats, despite harsh winter conditions featuring strong winds and turbulent seas. As spring approaches, officials are on high alert, anticipating that the improving weather could lead to an increase in such dangerous crossings.
Spanish newspaper Diario de Mallorca has characterised the situation poignantly, stating: “The Balearic Islands are a cemetery.” Residents of the islands have called for a more honest portrayal of the situation in tourism promotions, urging officials to share images of this tragic reality rather than idyllic scenes, particularly at international travel fairs aimed at attracting visitors.
Earlier discoveries included a severed leg found washed ashore in Can Pastilla, which was the tenth grim find in what has been described as an alarming trend for the region. Bodies have also been reported at various locations, including Can Pastilla, Cala Deia, Llevant beach in Formentera, and Son Moli in Cala Rajada. Reports from Ultimahora.es have suggested that as water activities become more popular with the arrival of warmer weather, further discoveries along the beaches may be inevitable.
The local community continues to grapple with the repercussions of this distressing situation, stressing the need for awareness about the dangers faced by migrants and the grim reality that the shores of the Balearic Islands are currently marred by such tragic incidents.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/grim-discoveries-raise-alarms-for-holidaymakers-in-balearic-islands-272484 – This article corroborates the grim discoveries of bodies along the Balearic Islands’ beaches, highlighting the plight of migrants attempting hazardous sea crossings and the concerns raised among tourists and locals.
- https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2025/03/09/bodies-keep-washing-up-on-spanish-holiday-island-loved-by-hollywood-a-listers/ – This piece supports the claim of bodies washing up on beaches in the Balearic Islands, specifically mentioning Formentera, and the belief that these bodies are likely those of migrants.
- https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2025/03/18/131925/mallorca-immigration-second-body-two-days-washes-mallorca-beach.html – This article details the discovery of a body at Cala Mesquida in Mallorca, believed to be from a boat carrying Somali migrants, which aligns with the narrative of migrant fatalities in the region.
- https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/grim-discoveries-raise-alarms-for-holidaymakers-in-balearic-islands-272484 – This source also mentions the local sentiment regarding the need for a more transparent portrayal of the situation in tourism promotions, echoing the call for awareness about migrant dangers.
- https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2025/03/18/131925/mallorca-immigration-second-body-two-days-washes-mallorca-beach.html – This article further supports the ongoing concern about migrant fatalities and the anticipation of increased crossings with improving weather conditions.
- https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2025/03/09/bodies-keep-washing-up-on-spanish-holiday-island-loved-by-hollywood-a-listers/ – It highlights the treacherous conditions faced by migrants attempting to reach the Balearic Islands, often in overcrowded and poorly equipped vessels.
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2029313/majorca-beach-warning-ibiza-menorca – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears recent, referencing ongoing events over the past six weeks. However, without specific dates for all incidents, it’s challenging to confirm absolute freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative includes a poignant statement from Diario de Mallorca but lacks direct quotes with verifiable sources. The original source of the quote ‘The Balearic Islands are a cemetery’ could not be confirmed online.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable publication, Express.co.uk, known for its coverage of news. However, some details are sourced from local reports and other publications like Diario de Mallorca and Ultimahora.es.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about migrant bodies washing ashore are plausible given the context of dangerous sea crossings. The narrative aligns with known challenges faced by migrants attempting to reach Spain.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and plausible, with a reliable source. While some quotes lack verification, the overall context and reporting suggest a credible account of ongoing events.
