Madrid (AP) – Tragedy unfolded near the Canary Islands recently as nine people were reported dead after a boat carrying migrants capsized during a rescue operation. Spanish authorities confirmed that an additional 48 individuals are missing, with rescuers having saved 27 people from the vessel. The incident occurred when the small boat, loaded with individuals, was located approximately 6 1/2 kilometers (4 miles) off the coast of the island of El Hierro.
The Spanish maritime rescue service reported that the tragedy took place after they were alerted to the presence of a boat filled with people at a distance of six and a half kilometers from El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands. The boat turned over when too many individuals moved to one side during the rescue attempt, according to the rescue service’s statement.
The challenging conditions faced by the rescuers were further exacerbated by the nighttime operation and strong winds gusting at speeds reaching 20 knots. A range of boats and helicopters from various organizations participated in the rescue effort, including the maritime rescue service, the Civil Guard, the Red Cross, and local government representatives.
The Canary Islands’ Atlantic route for migrants traveling from West Africa is considered one of the deadliest migration routes globally. Although no precise death toll can be provided due to a lack of information on departures from West Africa, Spanish migrant rights group Walking Borders estimates that thousands of lives have been lost along this dangerous path.
This year, over 26,000 people have arrived in the Canary Islands via sea routes, a significant increase compared to approximately 14,000 in the same period last year. Located closer to Africa than mainland Spain, the archipelago is often viewed as a stepping stone towards continental Europe for many seeking better job opportunities overseas or fleeing violence and political instability in their home countries. A significant number of these individuals come from Mali, while others hail from Senegal, Mauritania, and other West African nations.
The tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach European shores along treacherous ocean routes. As rescue efforts continue and more lives are lost or saved in these desperate attempts for a better life, it is essential to recognize the immense challenges that migrants face in their journeys and seek ways to address the root causes of their displacement.