Italy: 15 Algerians Arrested After Boat Arrival Near Cagliari

Thursday 20 August 2026 - 10:05

Fourteen Algerian nationals in an irregular situation and one man presented as the presumed smuggler were arrested on Monday in Sardinia, following the arrival of a boat near Cagliari. The operation comes after an accident occurred near a very popular beach, during which a young tourist was seriously injured.

A Sea Arrival That Turns into an Accident

The group was aboard a fiberglass boat equipped with an outboard motor when it struck a 17-year-old girl near the shore of Su Giudeu beach in Chia.

The young girl, who was on vacation with her family and practicing paddleboarding, was seriously injured in the collision. She was airlifted to a hospital in Cagliari.

After the accident, the boat reportedly continued towards the nearby Tuerredda beach in an attempt to evade the authorities.

A Quick Escape Stopped

After disembarking, the passengers attempted to flee. However, law enforcement managed to locate them after a chase in the area.

The operation involved the Carabinieri as well as the operational unit of Cagliari, which was already participating in surveillance measures deployed along the coast during the summer period.

In total, 15 people were arrested, including 14 undocumented migrants and an Algerian national presented as the presumed smuggler.

A 28-Year-Old Identified as the Presumed Smuggler

The investigation opened under the authority of the prosecutor has allowed investigators to reconstruct the circumstances of the boat's arrival and identify the presumed driver.

He is a 28-year-old Algerian, suspected of having transported the group to the Sardinian coast.

Investigations must now determine the precise responsibilities in the accident as well as the conditions under which the crossing was organized.

Migration Pressure Remains Monitored in Sardinia

This episode comes as Italian authorities traditionally strengthen their presence on the Sardinian coasts during the summer, a period marked by particularly high tourist traffic.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with clandestine arrivals by small boats, especially when approaching heavily frequented coastal areas by bathers and water sports enthusiasts.