Murcia, Spain – Four alleged “patera taxi” skippers were arrested after two high-speed boats were intercepted off the Murcia coast.

At Calblanque on August 31, officers found 63 migrants who had just landed. Several reported paying thousands of euros and being assaulted by the skippers.

The boat, about 15 meters long and fitted with four high-power engines, was intercepted around 12 nautical miles southeast of Monte Cenizas. Two occupants were arrested.

On September 2 at Cabo Cope, SIVE detected an inflatable boat about 10 meters long with two engines. Its crew crashed into a Guardia Civil patrol boat, leaving three agents with minor injuries. Officers later described firing two warning shots before contact.

The boat was still carrying 28 jerry cans of gasoline. Two more skippers were arrested.

Both vessels and the fuel were seized. The four men face alleged offences including facilitating irregular immigration, smuggling, assault on officers, injuries, damage, piracy and illicit fuel transport.

Investigators are treating the two boats as linked. “Patera taxi” boats are used for fast drop-offs so the same vessels can make repeated runs.

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