Spanish authorities have launched a murder investigation after the bodies of several migrants with bound hands and feet were found in Mediterranean waters surrounding Mallorca and the neighbouring Balearic Islands.

The victims are believed to have been migrants attempting the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe, a route that, while less travelled than the Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands, is still used by hundreds of migrants each year, according to police statements released on Monday (June 24).

Possible dispute with migrant smugglers

Since mid-May, at least five bodies have been found by Spain's Civil Guard patrol boats in the area. Local media reports suggest that the victims may have been tied up and thrown overboard during their crossing, possibly following a dispute with human traffickers or migrant smugglers. Investigators say they are treating the case as a suspected homicide and are working to identify the victims and determine the exact circumstances of their deaths.

Migrants, in an effort to avoid deportation, may destroy their identification documents before embarking en route to Europe, complicating efforts to identify those who perish at sea.

Spanish authorities have ordered autopsies and collected DNA samples from the bodies in hopes that family members may come forward.

As the investigation continues, police have declined to release further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

'Cruellest side' of migration

Earlier this year, several decomposed bodies -- also believed to be migrants -- washed ashore on the island of Mallorca, likely victims of a previous tragedy at sea.

Regional president Marga Prohens described the incident as revealing "the cruellest side" of irregular migration.

Almost 6,000 migrants arrived in the Balearic Islands in 2024, a figure that is nearly triple the 2,278 recorded the previous year, according to data from the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC). Most of these migrants departed from Algeria, with the migratory route between Algeria and the Balearics becoming increasingly active throughout the year, the MMC noted in its report.

Since August alone, more than 2,000 people have been rescued in the region, including over 700 who arrived during the course of four days in November. 2024 saw the Balearic island of Formentera emerging as a major entry point, receiving almost half of all arrivals in small boats.

With AFP and DPA