Europe Faces Widespread Power Outage Causing Major Disruptions

At least seven people have died after a migrant boat capsized near La Restinga harbour on El Hierro, the smallest island in Spain's Canary Islands, according to regional emergency services. The open-topped vessel was reportedly carrying around 180 individuals when it sank as rescuers were escorting it to port on May 28, 2025. Among the deceased are two 5-year-old girls, a 16-year-old girl, and four women. Footage from state broadcaster TVE captured the moment the boat sank, with many passengers rushing to one side of the vessel as it neared the rescue vessel. This sudden movement caused the boat to overturn, throwing individuals into the ocean. Local dive clubs and emergency services worked in tandem to manage the situation, with a medical helicopter deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has become increasingly perilous, with a record number of migrant deaths reported in previous years. According to migrant rights group Walking Borders, 4,808 people lost their lives on this dangerous journey in the first five months of 2024.

Five individuals were arrested in Spain following a raid on illegal slaughterhouses in Ávila, Toledo, and Madrid, where over 200 sick and dying animals were found in appalling conditions. This operation, named "Operation Pox," was conducted by the Spanish Civil Guard's Seprona unit and revealed shocking practices, including the production of untraceable meat for local restaurants, according to officials. Investigators discovered a facility in San Fernando de Henares filled with filth, decomposing animal corpses, and equipment used for the illegal slaughter of animals, with no traceability of the meat produced. Commanding officer José Carlos Martínez noted the unexpected prevalence of such facilities, which often violate both animal welfare and public health laws. In total, approximately 350 animals had to be euthanized due to their poor health. The operation was initiated after health risks associated with illegal meat distribution were identified, impacting several Asian restaurants in the Usera district. This joint investigation with the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted ongoing issues within the illegal livestock trade, resulting in further scrutiny from health authorities and Europol.

Three children, aged 8 (twins) and 10, were rescued by Spanish police from a home in Oviedo where they had been locked inside since 2021, according to local reports. Officers arrested a 53-year-old German man and a 48-year-old American woman, who are facing charges of domestic violence, habitual psychological abuse, and child abandonment. Both suspects are currently in pretrial detention without bail. The investigation was initiated after a neighbor reported concerns when the children failed to attend school. Reports indicated that locals had not seen anyone enter or leave the property since December 2021, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon visiting the property during recent power outages, police found the home filled with rubbish and an excessive amount of medications and masks. Oviedo Police Chief Javier Lozano described the scene as a "house of horrors," stating that the children were in “terrible shape” yet not malnourished. The children have since been taken for medical evaluation and are now in government custody at a juvenile center.