At least 26 people have tragically lost their lives after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Senegal. The vessel, which had more than 100 passengers on board, sank just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) into its journey, leaving distraught relatives and friends waiting anxiously along the beach for news. So far, four survivors have been rescued, and search efforts are ongoing.
The boat departed from Mbour, a town about 80 kilometers south of Dakar, bound for Spain’s Canary Islands, a common destination for West African migrants seeking better opportunities. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of people leaving West Africa through Senegal, driven by conflict, poverty, and unemployment. Nearly 30,000 migrants have attempted the dangerous Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands this year alone.
While Spain remains a top European destination for migrants, many West Africans opt for the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, as it involves fewer dangerous steps compared to crossing both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
The rising number of migrants attempting the Atlantic crossing has drawn international attention. Last month, Spain’s prime minister visited Senegal, Mauritania, and The Gambia for crisis talks with leaders, addressing the growing issue. Earlier this year, the EU and Mauritania reached a $227 million deal to enhance border security, with Spain playing a significant role in the negotiations.
