Prosecutors in the Canary Islands have filed a lawsuit alleging that negligence by the Spanish authorities may have led to the deaths of 36 migrants who tried to reach the territory in an inflatable boat last month.
The vessel sank after waiting 10 hours for help.
Prosecutors say crimes such as failure to provide assistance may have been committed.
Spain’s coastal rescue service has defended itself against accusations of negligence after it was reported that one of its boats was just one hour away from the migrant vessel.
A Moroccan boat picked up the 24 survivors.