A suspected human trafficker has been arrested in Almeria after allegedly piloting a migrant boat carrying 10 people from Algeria in a crossing that lasted almost 18 hours.

The Policia Nacional said the suspect has been charged with an ‘offence against the rights of foreign nationals’ following an investigation by its immigration unit.

The operation began on Sunday, August 2, when police received reports of a small boat carrying 10 migrants in the Mediterranean.

All those on board were adults and were found to be in good health.

The group was rescued by the Maritime Service and taken to the Temporary Reception Centre for Foreigners (CATE) at the Port of Almeria.

They received initial assistance from the Red Cross before police launched their investigation.

Officers sought to establish where the boat had departed from, how the journey had been organised and who had been responsible for navigating the vessel.

According to investigators, one of the migrants had acted as the boat’s skipper, steering the vessel, using a compass to navigate and refuelling the engine during the crossing.

Police believe the journey was organised for financial gain by a criminal network based in Algeria that specialises in facilitating illegal migration to Spain.

Investigators also highlighted the serious danger faced by those on board.

The boat measured around five metres long and 1.5 metres wide and was powered by a 40-horsepower outboard engine, which police described as insufficient to safely carry 10 people across the Mediterranean.

The suspect has been brought before Investigating Court No. 5 in Almeria, which is overseeing the case.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.