Spanish Police Confirm Deceased Baby on Beach was an Algerian Migrant

The body discovered on the beach of Roda de Berà, Spain a week ago has been identified as that of an eight-month-old Algerian baby girl. The infant, along with her parents, was aboard a migrant boat travelling from Cherchel, Algeria to Spain. The boat tragically sank near the Balearic Islands on April 6, according to investigations by the Spanish police.

Discovery of the Body

The baby's body was found by municipal officials early in the morning on July 11. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and was initially mistaken for a doll due to its upside-down position. Following the discovery, the police launched an investigation to determine whether the cause of death was accidental or criminal.

DNA Identification

The identification of the body was confirmed through DNA matching. The DNA material matched a female body that was recovered near the Balearic Islands on April 6, the same day the migrant boat sank. Further investigation revealed that the boat carrying the baby and her parents departed from Cherchel, Algeria on March 21. There were 12 other people on board, none of whom survived the journey.

Mayor's Initial Suspicion

The mayor of Roda de Bera had initially suspected that the baby might be a victim of a migrant boat wreck, based on the tracksuit the baby was wearing. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross into Europe.