Migrants found dead near the Canary Islands are believed to have been murdered and thrown overboard after the overcrowded boat broke down at sea.
Between 20 and 30 migrants now in refugee centres in the Canaries are being investigated on suspicion of carrying out the high sea 'executions' after accusing victims of stealing water and of practicing witchcraft as supplies on board dwindled, Spanish news outlet OkDiario reports.
Spanish polish are investigating the deaths of almost 70 passengers and were also reportedly 'close to making the first arrests' over the incidents that took place on the vessel while it was adrift in the Atlantic Ocean for more than a week before being rescued by Spanish coastguards after it suffered engine problems.
Police have yet to comment on the website's report saying they had witness statements claiming 'some murders' were committed on the boat.
Survivors are said to have told investigators several migrants also died of thirst and hunger and others threw themselves overboard after suffering delirium caused by dehydration.
