A Spanish judge has proposed prosecuting the captain of the fishing boat Villa de Pitanxo and two executives from the associated shipping company for their part in a shipwreck that occurred on February 15, 2022. This incident, which took place 450 kilometers off the coast of Canada, led to the tragic loss of 21 lives, including nine confirmed deaths and twelve individuals still missing. The judge concluded that sufficient evidence exists to bring charges against the three individuals for 21 counts of manslaughter due to serious negligence, along with violations of workers’ rights.

Magistrate Ismael Moreno highlighted a series of alleged irregularities connected to the ship's operation and the circumstances leading up to the abandonment order. He noted that when the evacuation command was given, the chances of survival for the crew had significantly diminished. The investigation revealed that the captain and shipowners may have neglected proper safety protocols, which directly contributed to the high casualty rate. This has raised serious questions about accountability within the maritime industry, particularly regarding compliance with safety regulations.

As the case moves forward, it could have broader implications for maritime laws and safety standards, especially for in international waters. The outcome may influence how fishing companies operate under such conditions and could serve as a precedent for future legal actions related to similar maritime disasters. This situation draws attention to the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures to protect the lives of workers in the fishing industry and other high-risk occupations.