At least 21 people lost their lives after a vessel carrying migrants capsized off the northwestern coast of Senegal, according to local authorities. The dangerous Atlantic passage to Spain’s Canary Islands has claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
Rescue Operations and Government Response
The Senegalese Interior Ministry reported that only a single individual was pulled alive from the water, while 21 bodies were retrieved. Officials noted that the casualty figure remains preliminary as search efforts continue. The tragedy took place close to Kebemer, situated roughly 180 kilometers north of Dakar, the nation’s capital.
The government emphasized its firm commitment to dismantling human trafficking operations, highlighting cooperative efforts with neighboring nations. Additionally, authorities reported stopping 142 migrants on Friday aboard another vessel attempting to reach Spanish shores, with passengers hailing from various West African nations.
Canary Islands Declare Emergency
Meanwhile, officials on El Hierro island in the Canary Islands announced a state of emergency following a significant surge in migrant boat traffic. Local leadership reported that more than 3,300 individuals have reached the island via roughly 30 vessels since the beginning of the month.
Alpidio Armas, the head of the El Hierro regional council, expressed deep concern over the rapid growth in numbers during an interview with Spanish television, stating that the emergency declaration creates a framework for collaboration with higher authorities. Armas also mentioned that local hospital conditions have deteriorated to an undesirable level on the island, which has a population of approximately 11,400.
Migrant arrivals reached a peak of 46,000 in 2024 before experiencing a steep decline driven by heightened monitoring and partnerships with African nations.
