Tragedy Strikes as Dozens of Migrants Drown on Boat Bound for Spain’s Canary Islands
In a devastating incident, as many as 39 migrants on a boat en route to Spain’s Canary Islands have drowned, according to the Walking Borders immigration organization. The incident occurred about 141 km southeast of the island of “Gran Canaria” during a Moroccan-led rescue operation, where at least one child lost their life. The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service reported that 24 people were rescued from the sinking boat.
However, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact number of casualties. The two non-governmental organizations, “Walking Borders” and “Alarm Phone,” have conflicting reports. While “Walking Borders” stated in a tweet that 39 people drowned, “Alarm Phone” indicated that 35 people are missing.
This tragic event comes just a week after one of the worst migration tragedies in recent history. A ship carrying 750 people from Libya to Italy sank, resulting in only 104 survivors. The Greek authorities have recovered the bodies of 81 more individuals as of Monday, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
The Moroccan coasts have long been a common route for irregular migration towards Spain, whether across the Mediterranean Sea or the treacherous Atlantic Ocean towards the Canary Islands. Earlier in April, 11 migrants from Morocco and sub-Saharan African countries lost their lives when their boat sank in the south of the Kingdom.
The United Nations reports that the first quarter of this year has witnessed the highest death toll of irregular migrants since 2017 across all migration routes towards Europe via the Mediterranean. However, there has been a significant decrease in irregular migration towards Spain, particularly by sea, with a decrease of over 25% in 2022, according to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by migrants seeking a better life, and calls for increased efforts to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of those embarking on perilous journeys.
What are the differing reports regarding the number of casualties in the recent tragedy involving migrants en route to Spain’s Canary Islands?
Tragedy Strikes as Dozens of Migrants Lose their Lives on Boat Journey to Spain’s Canary Islands
In a devastating incident that has shaken the world, a boat carrying migrants en route to Spain’s Canary Islands has met a tragic end, resulting in the death of as many as 39 individuals, as reported by the Walking Borders immigration organization. The heart-wrenching event took place approximately 141 km southeast of the island of “Gran Canaria” during a rescue mission led by Moroccan authorities, leading to the loss of at least one child’s life. The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service was able to save 24 people from the sinking vessel.
However, there is confusion surrounding the exact number of casualties. Both “Walking Borders” and “Alarm Phone,” two non-governmental organizations involved in tracking migrant movements, have presented varying reports. While “Walking Borders” tweeted that 39 lives were lost, “Alarm Phone” indicated that 35 individuals are still unaccounted for.
The devastating incident comes only a week after one of the most tragic migration disasters in recent memory. A ship transporting 750 people from Libya to Italy sunk, leaving behind a mere 104 survivors. On Monday, Greek authorities discovered the bodies of an additional 81 victims, highlighting the immense dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
The Moroccan coastline has long served as a common route for irregular migration towards Spain, whether through the perilous Atlantic Ocean to the Canary Islands or across the Mediterranean Sea. As recently as April, a boat sinking in the south of the Kingdom claimed the lives of 11 migrants from Morocco and sub-Saharan African countries.
The United Nations has revealed that the first quarter of this year witnessed the highest death toll of irregular migrants since 2017 across all migration routes to Europe via the Mediterranean. However, Spain has observed a significant reduction of over 25% in irregular migration, particularly by sea, in 2022, according to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
This tragic incident serves as an agonizing reminder of the risks and challenges faced by migrants who are seeking a better life. It calls for urgent and intensified efforts to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of those who embark on these perilous journeys.
