A flotilla of between 40 and 60 vessels will set sail this Saturday from the ports of Málaga, Cádiz and Granada to bring support to Ceuta. The initiative, driven by Marbella businessman Pedro Rodríguez, aims to channel the solidarity of Spaniards.
On Saturday, August 29, a flotilla of vessels will depart from various marinas on the Costa del Sol, Cádiz and Granada heading to Ceuta. The initiative, dubbed the 'Armada of Solidarity', was conceived by businessman Pedro Rodríguez, president of Sierra Blanca Estates and based in Marbella.
Rodríguez explained that the idea emerged during conversations with colleagues and quickly took shape: "It is an ideal moment to channel the solidarity we feel as Spaniards from the peninsula towards our brothers in Ceuta." The businessman claims that the response has been massive: "Today alone we are more than forty" and he hopes to exceed fifty boats, with an ideal target of around 100.
"The situation is dramatic"
The autonomous city has been enduring the arrival of around 80,000 immigrants since the end of July, with several thousand still on its streets. Rodríguez describes a bleak picture: "They can't open, and if they do, there are no buyers; people aren't going out, there are no children visible on the streets." The flotilla aims to bring "solidarity, respect, admiration and support" to the people of Ceuta.
The call is open to boat owners, marinas, nautical clubs, brotherhoods, and nautical schools. Departures will take place from Málaga, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banús, Estepona, Sotogrande, Algeciras and other ports along the Andalusian coast, including the province of Cádiz.
The Marina of Ceuta will assist with logistics, offering free mooring to participating vessels. Its director, Mehdi Amin, has expressed his support, and a reception and welcome dinner will be organised. A visit to the city is planned for Sunday before the return.
Among the supporters are also Marcos de Quinto, Amalio de Marichalar, Francisco Mier del Castillo, África León, Juan Núñez and Fernando Oltra. Organisers encourage those without a boat to join by taking the ferry to Ceuta on Saturday or through symbolic online support.
The expedition aims to become a regular event that strengthens ties between the autonomous city and the Andalusian ports. The exact departure time has yet to be confirmed, but it will be during the morning on Saturday.
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