Spanish authorities rescued 136 African migrants from a boat near the Canary Island of El Hierro on Monday, August 26, 2024. The group was found on a vessel attempting to reach Europe and was safely brought to the port of La Restinga by the Spanish sea search and rescue agency. El Hierro, the smallest and most southern of the Canary Islands, is located in the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Africa. This rescue is part of a continuing effort by Spain to manage the increasing number of migrants trying to reach Europe through the dangerous Atlantic route.
Spain’s Prime Minister is scheduled to start a three-day visit to West Africa on Tuesday, August 27, to address the rise in migrant arrivals. The Prime Minister will visit Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal, key countries involved in the current migration crisis. During this trip, he hopes to engage in discussions to find solutions to reduce the number of migrants attempting the perilous journey to the Canary Islands. Mauritania, in particular, has been a significant departure point for many migrants, and Madrid estimates that around 200,000 people are currently waiting in Mauritania to cross to the Canary Islands.
The local government of the Canary Islands has been urging for more support from the European Union, stating that the islands should not have to bear the brunt of Europe’s migratory pressure. The regional leader of the Canary Islands emphasized that these migrants are arriving in Europe, not just Spain, and called for more robust EU intervention to help manage the influx.
The number of migrants reaching the Canary Islands has significantly increased this year. From January 1 to August 15, 2024, a total of 22,304 migrants arrived, up from 9,864 during the same period in 2023—an increase of 126 percent. Across Spain, there have been 31,155 arrivals by mid-August, a 66.2 percent increase from 18,745 in 2023. This rise is expected to continue as the autumn season brings more favorable weather for crossing the Atlantic.
The journey to the Canary Islands is highly dangerous due to strong currents and overcrowded boats that are often not seaworthy. Despite the risks, the Atlantic route remains a popular path for West African migrants hoping to reach Europe. In addition to the Canary Islands, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has also seen a surge in migrant arrivals in recent weeks. The increasing number of migrants using these routes indicates a growing migration crisis that Spain and the rest of Europe must address urgently.