At least 69 people lost their lives when a boat traveling from West Africa to the Canary Islands capsized off the Moroccan coast on December 19, according to Malian authorities.
The vessel, carrying approximately 80 individuals, sank with only 11 survivors, the Malian Ministry of Malians Abroad reported on Thursday.
In response to the tragedy, a crisis unit has been established to monitor the situation.
This incident underscores the increasing dangers faced by migrants on the Atlantic migration route, which connects West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands.
This year, the route has seen a record surge, with 41,425 arrivals between January and November, surpassing last year’s total of 39,910.
Factors such as ongoing conflict in the Sahel region, unemployment, and climate change’s impact on farming communities have driven more people to attempt the perilous crossing.
Tragically, these journeys have become deadlier.
According to Walking Borders, a migrant aid group, 9,757 migrants died at sea in 2024 while attempting to reach the Canary Islands from Africa’s Atlantic coast.
Across all migration routes to Spain, the death toll reached a record 10,457 this year—an average of nearly 30 deaths daily.
The route from Mauritania, frequently used by migrants from the Sahel region, was particularly lethal, accounting for 6,829 deaths.
Walking Borders attributed the surge in fatalities to inadequate rescue operations, restrictive immigration policies, and the criminalization of migrants, accusing governments of prioritizing border control over the preservation of human life.
The scale of the crisis was further highlighted on Friday, when 300 migrants arrived on six boats at El Hierro in the Canary Islands.Boat Capsizes Near Morocco, 69 Lives Lost
At least 69 people lost their lives when a boat traveling from West Africa to the Canary Islands capsized off the Moroccan coast on December 19, according to Malian authorities.
The vessel, carrying approximately 80 individuals, sank with only 11 survivors, the Malian Ministry of Malians Abroad reported on Thursday.
In response to the tragedy, a crisis unit has been established to monitor the situation.
This incident underscores the increasing dangers faced by migrants on the Atlantic migration route, which connects West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands.
This year, the route has seen a record surge, with 41,425 arrivals between January and November, surpassing last year’s total of 39,910.
Factors such as ongoing conflict in the Sahel region, unemployment, and climate change’s impact on farming communities have driven more people to attempt the perilous crossing.
Tragically, these journeys have become deadlier.
According to Walking Borders, a migrant aid group, 9,757 migrants died at sea in 2024 while attempting to reach the Canary Islands from Africa’s Atlantic coast.
Across all migration routes to Spain, the death toll reached a record 10,457 this year—an average of nearly 30 deaths daily.
The route from Mauritania, frequently used by migrants from the Sahel region, was particularly lethal, accounting for 6,829 deaths.
Walking Borders attributed the surge in fatalities to inadequate rescue operations, restrictive immigration policies, and the criminalization of migrants, accusing governments of prioritizing border control over the preservation of human life.
The scale of the crisis was further highlighted on Friday, when 300 migrants arrived on six boats at El Hierro in the Canary Islands.
Among them, one person died, according to the Red Cross.
The Atlantic migration route, originating from countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, and Morocco, is considered the world’s deadliest, with desperate individuals risking everything in search of safety and opportunity.
Among them, one person died, according to the Red Cross.
The Atlantic migration route, originating from countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, and Morocco, is considered the world’s deadliest, with desperate individuals risking everything in search of safety and opportunity.
Reuters/Patience Ameh
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